The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency officially became the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority on Wednesday, making emergency management a standalone cabinet-level department in Tennessee state government.
The change is intended to improve coordination across state government while keeping TEMA’s core mission the same. The department will continue leading statewide preparedness, emergency response, and disaster recovery efforts in partnership with local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations.
Gov. Bill Lee said the transition strengthens the state’s ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies while continuing to support local communities during disasters.
Commissioner Patrick C. Sheehan said the new structure better reflects the critical role emergency management plays across Tennessee. He said becoming a cabinet-level department will allow TEMA to coordinate more efficiently with other state agencies, better support local emergency managers, and respond to disasters with greater speed and focus.
Although the agency’s structure has changed, its mission remains focused on coordinating preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for natural, technological, and human-caused emergencies. The department will continue working closely with county emergency management agencies, first responders, state departments, federal partners, volunteer organizations, private businesses, and community leaders to strengthen disaster preparedness and response statewide.
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