ITDRC and EMEAA Announce Strategic Partnership

Logo for the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center.

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 27, 2026. The Information Technology Disaster Resource Center

(ITDRC) and the Emergency Management External Affairs Association today announced the

signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing a strategic partnership focused on strengthening disaster communications, coordination, collaboration, and volunteer support across the emergency management community.

The agreement establishes a framework for joint initiatives designed to enhance information

sharing, professional engagement, and operational collaboration among emergency management and crisis communications stakeholders.

ITDRC is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that supports communities and response

organizations by providing critical connectivity, technology services, and communications

support before, during, and after disasters. The organization collaborates with local, state,

federal, nonprofit, and the private sector, to help communities and survivors recover more

quickly.

EMEAA is a collaborative professional association advancing emergency management external affairs, crisis communications, and public engagement through knowledge sharing, global best practices, professional development, and thought leadership.

“ITDRC has demonstrated the extraordinary impact that skilled volunteers and technology

professionals can have in helping communities respond to and recover from disasters,” said Bob Jensen, President of EMEAA. “EMEAA is proud to partner with an organization that

understands both the operational and human side of emergency management and the importance of serving communities when they need it most.”

“EMEAA plays an essential role in advancing crisis communications and strengthening the

professional community that supports emergency management,” said Joe Hillis, Operations

Director of ITDRC. “We are excited to work together to improve coordination, share expertise, and help organizations communicate more effectively before, during, and after disasters.”

Both organizations recognize the importance of strategic partnerships in supporting emergency managers, communicators, operators, members, and volunteers. Through the partnership, ITDRC and EMEAA will pursue collaborative opportunities that strengthen preparedness, response, recovery, resilience, and public communications in the emergency management community.

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About the Emergency Management External Affairs Association (EMEAA) 

The Emergency Management External Affairs Association advances a collaborative community promoting emergency management external affairs knowledge, history, experience, global best practices, professional development, and thought leadership within the profession. Learn more at https://www.emeaa.org. 

EMEAA and The PIO Calendar Announce Partnership to Support Professional Development

The Emergency Management External Affairs Association (EMEAA) and The PIO Calendar, a program of PDR Strategies, LLC, announce a new partnership focused on supporting professional development and increasing awareness of training, conferences, and educational opportunities for public information, emergency communications, and external affairs professionals. 

The partnership formalizes a shared commitment to strengthening the profession by improving access to relevant training and professional development opportunities across disciplines and jurisdictions. Through this collaboration, EMEAA and The PIO Calendar work together to elevate information sharing and visibility into opportunities that support preparedness, skill development, and professional growth. 

The collaboration reflects the growing need for accessible, role-specific training resources for communicators operating in increasingly complex emergency and public information environments. 

“Professional development is an essential foundation for effective public information and emergency communications,” said Bob Jensen, President of EMEAA. “This partnership with The PIO Calendar helps connect our members with training and educational opportunities that support building communication excellence and broadening their experience.” 

The PIO Calendar serves as a centralized, practitioner-focused platform designed to make it easier for communicators to identify and track trainings, conferences, and events relevant to public information and external affairs. 

“The PIO Calendar exists to support the field by making professional development opportunities easier to find and access,” said Paul Raymond Jr., founder of The PIO Calendar and principal of PDR Strategies, LLC. “Partnering with EMEAA reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the profession through collaboration and information sharing.” 

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About the Emergency Management External Affairs Association (EMEAA) 

The Emergency Management External Affairs Association advances a collaborative community promoting emergency management external affairs knowledge, history, experience, global best practices, professional development, and thought leadership within the profession. Learn more at https://www.emeaa.org. 

About The PIO Calendar 

The PIO Calendar, a program of PDR Strategies, LLC, is a centralized platform designed to improve awareness of and access to training, conferences, and professional development opportunities for public information and emergency communications professionals across disciplines and jurisdictions. PDR Strategies is a public-sector–focused communications and preparedness consulting firm that supports organizations in crisis communications, emergency planning, and strategic messaging. 

EMEAA Celebrates International Support from EMPA

October 25, 2024 – The Emergency Media and Public Affairs (EMPA) association has published a letter of support for the Emergency Management External Affairs Association (EMEAA), formalizing their commitment to international collaboration as both nations face unprecedented disaster challenges.

In a letter of solidarity sent to EMEAA leadership, EMPA Chair Jeremy Hillman acknowledged the mounting pressures facing U.S. emergency management professionals amid reports of personnel losses and escalating natural hazards. The correspondence comes as 2024 has become the most expensive year on record for disaster costs in the United States, with the LA wildfires and 13 other major events contributing to total community costs exceeding $100 billion.

"Although we are separated by vast oceans, your challenges resonate deeply with us here at EMPA in Australia," said Jeremy Hillman, EMPA Chair. "We share your commitment to accurate, compassionate, and timely public information and community engagement. Your international colleagues stand with you in solidarity and respect as you continue serving your communities under immense pressure."

The partnership represents a significant step forward in global emergency management cooperation, with both associations committed to strengthening collective capacity in the face of increasing climate-related disasters and evolving communication challenges.

Bob Jensen, President of EMEAA, welcomed the international support: "This partnership reinforces that emergency management transcends borders. As we navigate this challenging landscape, knowing we have colleagues across the Pacific who understand our mission and share our values provides tremendous encouragement to our members who work tirelessly to protect their communities."Both organizations have expressed interest in exploring ongoing collaboration opportunities, including knowledge sharing, joint training initiatives, and coordinated approaches to public information during major disaster events.