SCEMD Regional Emergency Manager Program Celebrates 20 Years

October marks the 20th anniversary of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s (SCEMD) Regional Emergency Manager (REM) Program, established in 2006 to strengthen coordination among SCEMD, county emergency management agencies, and the State Emergency Response Team across the state.

REMs serve as a dedicated connection between SCEMD and partners, supporting preparedness, training, exercises, planning, and disaster response and recovery. Over the past two decades, they have worked alongside communities through hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, winter weather, wildfires, and other emergencies.

“The strength of South Carolina’s emergency management system comes from the relationships we build before a disaster happens,” said SCEMD Director Kim Stenson. “For 20 years, our Regional Emergency Managers have worked alongside county partners to build those relationships, strengthen preparedness and make sure communities know they have a partner at SCEMD,” Stenson said.

SCEMD Chief of Operations Melissa Potter said REMs play an important role in connecting local communities with state resources.

“Emergency management is a team effort, and our Regional Emergency Managers are an important part of that team,” said SCEMD Chief of Operations Melissa Potter. “They are often among the first SCEMD representatives working with county partners during an incident and remain engaged throughout the event. Their relationships and knowledge of local communities are invaluable,” Potter said.

As SCEMD celebrates this important milestone, the division recognizes the Regional Emergency Managers and partners who continue to strengthen South Carolina’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.