Emergency Mgmt Agency becomes Emergency Mgmt Authority (TEMA)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is now officially the Department of the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority (TEMA), marking an organizational change that elevates emergency management to a cabinet-level department in Tennessee state government.

The Director of Campbell County Emergency Management Agency, now the Department of the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority (TEMA), is Jay Muncy, II. Daniel Lawson is Muncy’s assistant TEMA director. 

“Supporting Tennesseans and our local communities during times of crisis is a core responsibility of state government,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “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.”

The transition establishes Tennessee’s emergency management function as a standalone cabinet-level department, improving coordination across state government and strengthening TEMA’s ability to support state agencies and local jurisdictions before, during, and after disasters. While TEMA’s name and structure are changing, the mission remains the same: to coordinate preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for natural, technological, and human-caused hazards in partnership with local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private-sector stakeholders.

“This transition is about improving our ability to serve Tennessee and our communities when they need us most,” said Commissioner Patrick C. Sheehan. “Our mission has not changed, but our structure now better reflects the critical role emergency management plays in serving Tennesseans. 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.”

The new department will continue working closely with county emergency management agencies, first responders, state departments, federal partners, volunteer organizations, private-sector partners, and community leaders to strengthen statewide preparedness, resilience, and coordinated emergency response. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-07/03/2026-6AM)