By-Line: Julie Murphy, Flagler County Government
Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord was elected and then sworn in as President of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA) last week, during its Annual Meeting.
“This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your dedication, expertise, and the respect you’ve earned among your peers,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “Administration is incredibly proud to see you take on this role, and we do not doubt that you will make a lasting impact.”
This is Lord’s 10th annual term as a board member of FEPA. He served nine consecutive years on the board, and was elected treasurer for each of those years, but took two years off before deciding to run for the office of President.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve Flagler County and my peers statewide as we collectively tackle ways to better prepare our communities for disasters,” said Lord. “FEPA provides great collaboration with emergency managers from both public and private sectors throughout the state to share best practices and evolve the emergency management profession.”
In 2022, Lord received the FEPA “Gary Arnold Award” for his dedicated, unselfish, and enthusiastic service to improving the emergency management community in Florida.
That dedicated, unselfish, and enthusiastic service has included:
- Serving four years as the Chair of the Planning, Response, and Recovery Focus Group is part of the Domestic Security Coordinating Group
- Served as Chair of the FEPA County Emergency Management Directors Working Group from its inception in 2018 until early 2024
- Served on the WebEOC and AlertFlorida working groups
- Serves on the Florida Domestic Security Oversight Council
Of the Florida Domestic Oversight Council, Lord is one of two members representing Emergency Management statewide alongside Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
FEPA was created in 1956 to help professional Emergency Managers work to protect the people of Florida.
