Press Release: 9/17/2025

Women in Emergency Management Forms Executive Steering Committee

 



Massachusetts Women in Emergency Management (MWEM) convened its first full-day seminar on Monday at the state’s Homeland Security Operations Center in Framingham. 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



9/17/2025



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Robert Burgess, Communications and Digital Media Specialist



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Call Robert Burgess, Communications and Digital Media Specialist at (857) 274-2117



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The executive steering committee for Massachusetts Women in Emergency Management



Massachusetts Women in Emergency Management (MWEM) convened its first full-day seminar on Monday at the state’s Homeland Security Operations Center in Framingham. The event brought together emergency management professionals from across the Commonwealth and marked the launch of MWEM’s inaugural Executive Steering Committee, a 12-member group which will help guide the program’s growth, mentorship opportunities and long-term impact. 



Formed in May 2024 and led by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and Department of Public Health’s Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management (OPEM), MWEM has already connected more than 300 women through quarterly meetings across Massachusetts. Participants represent federal, state and local government agencies, as well as healthcare, higher education, nonprofits and the private sector, building a diverse and inclusive network dedicated to strengthening the field. 



“We are deeply grateful for these professionals who are volunteering their time, experience and passion to advance women in the emergency management field,” said Governor Maura Healey. "Our efforts are most effective when diverse voices come together to shape our shared public safety goals. This working group reflects the spirit of collaboration and leadership that is driving Massachusetts forward." 



“Emergency Preparedness Month is the perfect time to celebrate the women leading resilience efforts in communities across Massachusetts. I commend the new Executive Steering Committee members for their dedication to enhancing community preparedness and resiliency while also mentoring the next generation of emergency management leaders,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. 



The seminar featured guest speakers Bernadette Jordan, Consul General of Canada in Boston, who spoke on the topic of “What’s Your Why?”, and Cris McCombs, of Hagerty Consulting, who presented on overcoming challenges in the workplace and making a real difference. Previous seminars have featured resilience-building, professional mentorship and panels on disaster preparedness, alongside networking sessions designed to strengthen connections across disciplines.  



Under the leadership of MEMA Director Dawn Brantley and DPH OPEM Director Kerin Milesky, the Executive Steering Committee will provide advice, strategic direction and insight into MWEM activities, meeting regularly for as long as needed to build a comprehensive, sustainable program.



“We cannot wait to see the ideas, energy and collaboration this group will bring as we connect, engage and learn together and as we work toward a stronger, more inclusive future in emergency management,” said Director Brantley. “The committee’s goal is to empower and support women in the emergency management profession while expanding MWEM’s reach and ensuring diversity among participants.”



“Women have long been at the forefront of emergency management, leading with vision, determination and the ability to bring people together in challenging times,” said DirectorMilesky. “This group is building on that legacy by sharing ideas, strategies and expertise so that we are collectively more effective and ready for whatever comes our way. Equally important, we are strengthening the bonds of collaboration and teamwork across our agencies and disciplines. I am honored to stand alongside such dynamic leaders who are shaping the future of emergency management in the Commonwealth.” 



The Executive Steering Committee includes representatives from state and local emergency management agencies, higher education, public health, the nonprofit and private sectors, and the student community. Positions for a Tribal representative and a Retired representative remain open. 



Current members are:




  • Dawn Brantley, MEMA Director and Steering Committee Co-Chair

  • Kerin Milesky, DPH OPEM Director and Steering Committee Co-Chair

  • Jessica Bowe, American Red Cross volunteer & DPH OPEM Ready Responder Program Coordinator

  • Kate Dorrity, UMass Amherst Assistant Director of Emergency Management

  • Casey Hatchett, Brookline Police Detective Lieutenant & Community Emergency Response Team Program Coordinator

  • Cris McCombs, Hagerty Consulting

  • Mia Nardini, Wellesley College Emergency Manager

  • Rebecca Ping, Tufts University Director of Emergency Management

  • Bonnie Roy, MEMA West Regional Manager

  • Kathleen Shepherd, MEMA Community Engagement Specialist & MWEM Program Coordinator

  • Makynzie Sprague, Emergency Management/Homeland Security Student at Mass Maritime Academy & Firefighter at Onset Fire Department

  • Taylor West, Southborough Public Health Director 



MWEM meetings are open to any woman working in the field of emergency management, as well as students and retirees. To receive information on upcoming meetings, email MWEM@Mass.gov.



Media Contact: Robert Burgess | robert.burgess2@mass.gov | 857-274-2117