Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Spencer Hawkins, was recently recognized on the national stage for his leadership and dedication to emergency management.

Hawkins received the honor during the International Association of Emergency Managers Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky in November. The Presidential Citation is awarded by the IAEM-USA President to members who have gone above and beyond in the emergency management profession over the past year.

Hawkins was recognized for his work as Vice Chair of IAEM’s Government Affairs Committee, particularly during a year of significant federal discussions involving FEMA and the future of emergency management nationwide.

“I was extremely surprised and grateful to receive this citation,” Hawkins said. “Knowing that the work I’m doing is making a difference and being recognized by peers and leaders I respect just feels awesome.”

In addition to the citation, Hawkins is stepping into a new national leadership role as Chair of the IAEM Government Affairs Committee. The committee helps set IAEM’s legislative priorities, works with federal officials on emergency management policy, and advocates for the organization’s more than 6,000 members. Hawkins will lead a committee of more than 140 emergency management professionals from across the country.

Hawkins has served as Director of the Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency since 2015. March 2026 will mark 11 years in the role. During that time, he has helped guide the community through multiple hurricane responses, tornado events, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the second time Hawkins has received an IAEM-USA Presidential Citation. He received the honor in 2024 after leading a successful national advocacy effort to increase funding for the National Weather Service. He recently also earned his Georgia Advanced Certified Emergency Manager certification and renewed his IAEM Certified Emergency Manager credential for the 15th year.

With more than two decades of experience in emergency management at the local, national, and private-sector levels, Hawkins continues to represent Macon-Bibb County on the national stage while keeping a strong focus on serving the community at home.

From Team Macon-Bibb, congratulations, Spencer!