September 28, 2026
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) Director AJ Gary has announced that he will retire from his role as ADEM Director and State Homeland Security Advisor on November 1, 2026, concluding more than a decade of service in state emergency management.
Gary was first appointed by former Governor Asa Hutchinson in June 2016 and reappointed on January 10, 2023, by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
“AJ has been instrumental in helping us deliver assistance to Arkansans when they need it most and stood with me on some of our toughest days,” said Governor Sanders. “I’m grateful to AJ for his career in public service and wish him the best as he enters this well-earned next chapter.”
Under his leadership, ADEM responded to and supported recovery efforts for 49 state‑ and federally declared disasters, strengthening coordination and service to communities across Arkansas.
“In an emergency, we need strong and steady leadership. AJ has always provided that,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Col. Mike Hagar. “AJ has seen Arkansas through challenging times with a clear head and steady hand. We are deeply appreciative of his service to the state and wish him well in his retirement.”
During his tenure, Gary expanded ADEM’s field operations capacity by adding two new Area Coordinators, improving local support and situational awareness statewide.
During this period, ADEM modernized WebEOC, the statewide dashboard used by agencies to report emergencies and request assistance, enhancing real‑time information sharing. He further helped lead efforts to advance Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) consolidation and supported legislation that doubled funding.
With more than 40 years of public service, Gary’s career spans law enforcement, aviation security, and statewide emergency management. He served over 28 years with the Conway Police Department, retiring as Police Chief. During a break in his law enforcement career, he served as Chief Security Administrator for Air Transport International LLC, an international FAA Part 121 air carrier, where he oversaw all domestic and international security operations, including crew security training, facility security, and TSA/FAA regulatory compliance.
“Serving the state of Arkansas as the Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Advisor has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I am incredibly proud of the ADEM team. Their dedication, professionalism, and compassion set a standard that is recognized across the nation. As I prepare to retire, I do so with full confidence that the ADEM team will continue to serve Arkansans with the same commitment and excellence they demonstrate every day.”
As ADEM Director, Gary was appointed as President of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) in October 2025, representing emergency management directors from states and territories across the nation. His leadership extended across numerous state and national committees, including:
- Arkansas Safe Schools
- Infrastructure Planning Advisory Committee
- Governor’s Cyber Advisory Counci
- Arkansas Governor’s Earthquake Advisory Council
- Arkansas 911 Board (Chair)
- National Governors Association, Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council (GHSAC) – Executive Committe
- Central United States Earthquake Consortium – Board of Directors
Gary’s retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished career defined by service, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening Arkansas’s preparedness and resilience.
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