The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) will host its 2026 Annual Forum in Little Rock, Arkansas, from October 19 to 22. The Forum brings together emergency management leaders, practitioners, and industry partners from across the country to examine the issues shaping the future of the field.
With disasters growing in frequency, complexity, and cost, this year’s event will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing emergency management agencies today. Sessions will explore disaster readiness, recovery and mitigation, workforce challenges, and policies affecting agencies’ abilities to serve communities and build resilience. The Forum also offers opportunities to exchange localized best practices, explore innovative approaches, and strengthen partnerships across federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private-sector organizations.
Connect with Hagerty
Hagerty is proud to return as a sponsor of the NEMA Annual Forum. Hagerty leaders Brian Baker and Cris McCombs will be in attendance to connect with fellow emergency management professionals and share insights on the challenges facing the field. At the event, our team will participate in the following sessions:
- Cooperative Continuity: Strategies for Faster Restoration and Stronger Rural Power Systems
October 21, 2026, from 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm
Cris McCombs will moderate this session, which will explore practical strategies to strengthen resilience planning, harden critical assets, and accelerate restoration for rural electric cooperatives when resources are constrained. The discussion will also examine the role of emergency management as a critical energy sector partner. - Private Sector Committee
October 22, 2026, from 9:15 am – 10:30 am
As a member of the Private Sector Committee, Brian Baker will participate in this session focused on how the private sector can work more closely with emergency management agencies and support states before, during, and after disasters.
We look forward to connecting with partners, colleagues, and emergency management professionals throughout the Forum. If you plan to attend, we invite you to join our sessions and stop by our booth!
To learn more about the 2026 Annual Forum, visit NEMA’s official website.
About Our Team
Brian Baker is an expert in homeland security, emergency preparedness, disaster response, and recovery with nearly two decades of public service leadership. Prior to Hagerty, he served as Executive Deputy Director and Interim Director of the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (DC HSEMA). Brian also held prior leadership roles, including Homeland Security Advisor, State Administrative Officer for grants and federal funding, and State Coordinating Officer for the District. Now Vice President at Hagerty, Brian plays a key role in business development while advising and speaking widely within the emergency management community.
Cristine McCombs is a Regional Client Services Director at Hagerty and the former Director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). As the first woman to lead the agency, she guided Massachusetts to full accreditation from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP). Additionally, Cristine earned the highest grade from the United States (US) Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) National Review while overseeing planning for major events like the Boston Marathon. With over 25 years of experience, she now advises clients on emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.