Committees
and Caucuses
SCEMA has several committees and caucuses that members can join. Find out more about these groups below.
Conference Committee
CHAIR:
Kristy Burch, Florence County
The committee plans, coordinates and develops the agenda for the association annual conference. The Committee will be responsible for topics, schedule, speaker identification and support, program document design and the coordination of any training or seminars offered in conjunction with the conferences.
MEMBERS:
Randy Akers, Rebecca Bagwell, Kim Bailey, Tiffanie Barrett, Gretchen Birt, Jackie Broach, Kristy Burch, Rob Burress, Patrick Dollason, Ashley Edmonds, Brandon Ellis, Bridget Frame, Russell Goodale, Josh Hawkins, Erik Hayes, Jessica Joe, Madeline Johnson, Candie Jurey, Jessie Leftridge, Catherine McCutchen, Anuradha Nair, Shane Sligh, Jessica Stumpf, KT Tepper, Kim Tharin, Susan Thomas, Eric Turner, Brandon Vance, Loren Wallace, April Wilson
Legislative Committee
CHAIRS:
Doug Bryson, Spartanburg County
Malcolm Leirmoe, York County
The committee develops, monitors, and maintains the legislative priorities of the Association; coordinate legislative strategy sessions to help define the Association’s legislative agenda; and prepare and promote the Association’s legislative agenda. Remain aware of all proposed legislation at the federal, state and/or local level that may impact emergency management activities or the goals of the Association. Make recommendations to the Executive Committee, and/or the membership, regarding Association positions relating to legislative issues and request action by the members, as appropriate. Provide education to members on building relationships with elected and appointed officials.
MEMBERS:
Ben Almquist, Doug Bryson, Rob Burress, Sarah Custer, Ed Darby, David Greene, Scott Krein, Brian Laney, Malcolm Leirmoe, Justin Piece, Darren Player, Betsy Polk, Kim Stenson, Margaret Walton, April Wilson, Scot Yarborough
By-laws / Constitution Committee
CHAIR:
Josh Morton, Saluda County
This committee is responsible for the periodic review of the governing rules of SCEMA; in order to ensure the document truly reflects the organization’s structure and activity. Monitor adherence to provisions of the constitution and by-laws and review with the Executive Committee for consistency in the constitution and by-laws. Review and evaluate proposed changes to the constitution and by-laws.
MEMBERS:
Mike Bedenbaugh, Josh Morton, Allison Volk
Credentialing Committee
CHAIR:
Parker Riggs, SCEMD
Oversees the SC CEM certification program to include reviewing applications for certification and maintaining a list of those currently credentialed. This committee will also work on SCQS credentialing and review applications for IAEM CEM and other State CEM reciprocity.
MEMBERS:
Steven Batson, Gretchen Birt, Tom Dunn, Travis Glatki, Allen Lee
Media & Technology Committee
CHAIRS:
Tiffanie Barrett, SCEMD
Jessica Joe, Florence County
This committee fields media inquiries and assists with social media graphics and content for the association. May assist with website updates.
MEMBERS:
Randy Akers, Tiffanie Barrett, Jackie Broach, Jessica Joe
Nominating Committee
CHAIR:
Susanne Peeples, Hampton County
Reviews and solicit award nominations. Reviews qualifications for awards.
MEMBERS:
Susanne Peeples, Parker Riggs, Scott Smith, Kim Stenson, Susan Thomas
History
Committee
CHAIR:
Loren Wallace, Georgetown County
Committee reviewing history of the South Carolina Emergency Management Association.
MEMBERS:
Kim Bailey, Gretchen Birt, Bailey Burt, Ron Cain, Chuck Haynes, Sam Hodge, Loren Wallace, Fred Wilhite
Membership Committee
CHAIR:
Bethany Morton, SCEMD
Reviews all membership types, to include a forthcoming student membership. Reviews the benefits of being a member.
MEMBERS:
Gabriel Lindner, Bethany Morton, Kat Santana
Private Sector Caucus
CHAIR:
Brittany Kelly, WSP
Brad Hounshell, Publix
Identify and propose strategies to enhance public-private relationships to further emergency management capacity throughout the state. The committee will also advise the membership on private sector emergency management programs, initiatives, and issues, and advise and support other Association efforts to engage private sector emergency management personnel.
MEMBERS:
Please click here to download a full list of members for this Caucus.
Higher Education Caucus
CHAIR:
Howard Murphy, Anderson University
Represent emergency management issues surrounding higher education. Provide emergency managers from higher education institutions with a voice at the state level.
MEMBERS:
Rob Burress, Howard Murphy, Kim Tharin
Public Health Caucus
CHAIR:
Kim Bailey, MUSC
Will Rochester, SCEMSA
Represent emergency management issues surrounding the public health and medical fields. Provide healthcare emergency managers with a voice at the state level.
MEMBERS:
Kim Bailey, Ron Cain, Brian Laney, Catherine McCutchen, Will Rochester