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DRCA Sponsors NEMA Forum and Hosts 2025 Membership Meeting
DRCA was proud to be a sponsor of the National Emergency Management Association’s Annual Forum in Cheyenne, Wyoming this month!
The four-day forum brought together emergency management leaders from across the country to discuss the future of federal disaster assistance, evolving industry priorities and strategies to strengthen partnerships nationwide. DRCA hosted the opening night networking event, where attendees were able to connect and collaborate.
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In conjunction with the forum, DRCA held its annual membership meeting, highlighting the association’s top accomplishments in 2025, its 5-Year Strategy and updates on the FEMA transition.
Members heard from expert speakers, including Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie and former FEMA Regional Administrators Tony Robinson and Robert Samaan. Baker Donelson briefed the group on the FEMA Act of 2025 and DRCA’s new Disaster Recovery Contractors Toolkit.
Thank you to NEMA and all members who joined us for an inspiring and productive weekend in the Cowboy State!
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Leading the Way: Jamelyn Austin Trucks Honored with DRCA Chairman’s Award
Congratulations to Jamelyn Austin Trucks of AtkinsRéalis, recipient of the 2025 DRCA Chairman’s Award!
Jamelyn has spent nearly two decades advancing community resilience and disaster recovery across the Gulf Coast. From her work with FEMA Region VI, where she advanced post-Katrina recovery projects, to her leadership at the Florida Division of Emergency Management, improving hazard mitigation and saving taxpayer dollars, her impact has touched many communities.
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Jamelyn’s leadership helped secure $50 million in funding for the City of Houston’s flood detention project, protecting 13,000 homes in a high-risk community.
Today, Jamelyn leads a team of over 90 professionals, mentors future leaders and continues to champion communities in need. Her dedication, innovation and leadership make her a true force in the field of disaster recovery and resilience.
Thank you, Jamelyn for leading by example and inspiring your DRCA colleagues every day!
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Member of the Month:
DRC Emergency Services
DRCA Member Since 2009
Since 2001, DRC Emergency Services, LLC (DRC) has provided pre-disaster planning and training, rapid response, and industry-leading debris removal and recovery services following major disasters across the United States. DRC helps communities to prepare for, and recover from, natural disasters including hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, fires and winter storms, as well as man-made disasters such as the 2010 BP oil spill. DRC’s services include, but are not limited to, the following:
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- Emergency debris removal
- Disaster response management
- Temporary Housing
- Workforce Support
- Supplies and Logistics
- FEMA Documentation
- Debris Management
- Right-Of-Way Maintenance
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- Marine Debris Salvage
- Vehicle and Vessel Removal
- Dredging
- Technical Assistance
- Project Management
- Construction
- Demolition
- Final Disposal Management
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DRC was a founding member of the Disaster Recovery Coalition of America, after identifying the need for a trade group within the industry. DRC's vision and leadership helped to shape DRCA's role as an industry advocate and trusted resource for members. DRC’s President, John Sullivan, serves on DRCA’s Board of Directors.
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Upcoming Industry Events
The IAEM 73rd Annual Conference & EMEX
Louisville, KY
November 14-20, 2025
US Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting
Washington, DC
January 17-19, 2026
NEMA Mid-Year Forum
Washington, DC
March 11-15, 2026
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Bluegrass Bound:
DRCA Heads to Louisville, KY
DRCA Chairman Pete Gaynor will be attending the IAEM Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, Nov 17-18th. The conference will feature current trends, tools, technology and committee work related to emergency management and homeland security.
Recommended Attendees:
- Emergency management decision-makers
- Homeland security officials
- Local, state, federal, NGO, tribal, military and private sector emergency managers
- Business continuity planners
- First responder coordinators
- Healthcare/hospital emergency managers
- Contingency planners
- University/college emergency managers
- Educators in the field of emergency management/homeland security
Come for the insights, stay for the bourbon—both served neat! We hope to see you there!
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About DRCA
DRCA is the largest non-profit trade association representing the U.S. disaster recovery industry. Founded in 2008 as a 501(c)(6), DRCA brings together top contractors and emergency management experts from over 15 industries to advocate for smarter policies, build public-private partnerships and strengthen national resilience.
With deep relationships across FEMA, USACE, HUD and state and local agencies, DRCA ensures its members have a voice in shaping emergency management policy and access to key decision-makers. From helping members build strategic partnerships to promoting their capabilities and past performance, DRCA is committed to advancing the industry and supporting those on the front lines of disaster response, recovery and mitigation.
For more information on DRCA membership, please contact Casey Long, DRCA’s Executive Director, at clong@thedrca.org.
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