NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT)— Tennessee’s emergency management organization has officially been elevated to a cabinet-level department and renamed the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority, marking a significant change in how the state coordinates emergency preparedness and disaster response.
Governor Bill Lee announced Wednesday that the transition changes TEMA from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency to the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority, giving the organization standalone cabinet-level status within state government.
State leaders say the move is designed to strengthen coordination across state agencies and improve Tennessee’s ability to respond to emergencies, natural disasters and other crises.
“Supporting Tennesseans and our local communities during times of crisis is a core responsibility of state government,” Governor Lee said. “I’m grateful for Commissioner Sheehan’s continued leadership and for the TEMA team, whose professionalism and dedication have earned the trust of Tennesseans across our state. This transition strengthens our ability to prepare and respond quickly and effectively when emergencies arise.”
According to state officials, the change will make TEMA a standalone department that can work more directly with other state agencies while continuing to support local governments and emergency managers throughout Tennessee.
While the department’s structure and title are changing, officials emphasized that its mission remains the same. TEMA will continue to coordinate disaster preparedness, emergency response and recovery operations across Tennessee while maintaining partnerships with county, state and federal agencies, as well as private-sector organizations.
TEMA Commissioner Patrick C. Sheehan said the new designation better reflects the critical role emergency management plays across the state.
“This transition is about improving our ability to serve Tennessee and our communities when they need us most,” Sheehan said. “Our mission has not changed, but our structure now better reflects the critical role emergency management plays in serving Tennesseans.”
Sheehan added that cabinet-level status will allow the department to coordinate more effectively across state government and provide additional support to local officials before, during and after disasters.
“As a cabinet-level department, the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority will be positioned to coordinate more efficiently across state government, support local officials and emergency managers more effectively, and respond to disasters with the speed and focus Tennesseans expect,” he said.
State officials said the change is intended to improve disaster response capabilities while ensuring Tennessee remains prepared for severe weather events, public safety emergencies and other incidents requiring statewide coordination.
