Introducing the:

Rising Star Award

Is there someone "reletively" new to your agency, or one of your partner agencies,  that is making a difference? This program is intended just for them.

The Rising Star Award recognizes an individual who has recently entered the Emergency Management profession and has already demonstrated exemplary performance, leadership, and commitment to building community resilience and preparedness. This award honors professionals who represent the next generation of leaders in emergency management through their initiative, innovation, and impact.

2027 Nominations will open January 1, 2027.

Rising Star Charactoristics

Nominees must meet all the following criteria:

• Experience - Has between 3 and 10 years of experience in emergency management (including both paid and volunteer service).

• Active Role - Currently works or volunteers in emergency management, disaster response, preparedness, mitigation, or recovery within the public, private, or nonprofit sector.
• Professional Growth - Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development through training, certifications, or academic coursework (e.g., FEMA PDS/APS, IAEM AEM/CEM, or degree programs).

• Leadership & Innovation - Exhibits creativity and initiative in improving programs, systems, or community engagement efforts.

• Impact & Contribution- Has made a notable contribution to their organization or community within their short tenure in the field.

• Professional Growth - Maintains good standing within their organization and the broader emergency management community.

• Prior Recognition - Previous recipients of the Rising Star Award are not eligible for repeat recognition. Self-nominations are permitted.

Nominations open January 1st.
Submit your nominations here.

Eligibility

Each nomination will be evaluated using the following five categories. 

1. Leadership & Initiative - Demonstrates leadership qualities, initiative, and the ability to influence positive change within their organization or community.
2. Innovation & Problem-Solving - Introduces creative or effective approaches to address challenges in preparedness, response, recovery, or mitigation. Must include at least one example of innovative program.
3. Impact & Contribution - Demonstrates measurable or observable positive impact on operations, programs, or community outcomes.
4. Professional Growth - Actively pursues education, training, or credentials that enhance emergency management capability and professionalism.
5. Collaboration & Community Engagement - Fosters partnerships, teamwork, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen preparedness and resilience.

In the event of a tie, the Award Committee will prioritize candidates demonstrating exceptional innovation or measurable community impact.

Selection Process

Award selections will be based solely on the information presented in the award nomination and the selection criteria below.

Nominations need to be clear, descriptive, and provide specific examples demonstrating how the nominee meets the selection criteria. Each characteristic described in the nomination will be evaluated, and points will be assigned based on the information provided. The individual with the highest number of points will receive the award.

1. Completed Nomination Form (completed online through the link.)

2. Summary and Narratives highlighting the nominee’s accomplishments, contributions, and why they exemplify a “Rising Star”, based on the 5 categories.

3. Resume or Professional Biography (optional but encouraged).
4. Up to two Letters of Support from supervisors, peers, or community partners describing the nominee’s performance and impact (optional).
5. Example of original training programs or published articles by the nominee supporting innovation, impact, and/or contribution (optional but encouraged).

The nominator will be notified once the selection has been finalized. NJEPA will invite the nominator, recipient, and a guest to the Annual Awards and Networking Reception held during the conference, where the recipient will be recognized.