Brian Payne, director of the Scott County Emergency Management, has been named as Emergency Manager of the Year by the Iowa Emergency Management Association (EMA).
The award recognizes the accomplishments of an emergency management professional whose actions over the past year have significantly advanced the profession in Iowa. The Scott County Emergency Management Commission announced his honor in a news release. Mr. Payne was nominated by several of his peers.
The nomination noted: “Brian Payne is working to make our state and our industry better as a whole … he is always offering to help others, offering guidance and mentorship.”
Mr. Payne also serves the state as an information resource center for southeast Iowa’s largest county. “Brian’s impact as a leader, teacher and mentor to the field of Emergency Management in the State of Iowa will have a long-lasting impact to the next generation of coordinators,” nominators said in the release.
The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate selfless dedication. Their efforts have led to lasting improvements in preparedness, response or recovery capabilities locally and across Iowa.
Mr. Payne has led the county’s EMA since 2023. He is being honored for his leadership in continued development and evolution of area emergency management services.
“Payne’s innovation and resourceful planning have helped to grow an emergency management program optimized to serve all Scott County residents into the future,” the county said in announcing the award.
Rose through ranks
Mr. Payne began his career with Scott County EMA in 2017 as a planning specialist. He was named deputy director in 2019. Mr. Payne was appointed emergency management director in 2023.
Under his leadership, the county’s EMA has established and strengthened cross-sector relationships. It has developed an Incident Command System training regime for local first responders, and created graphic information systems (GIS) based tools. They provide situational awareness.
The state award comes just a year after the Scott County EMA was named Emergency Management Program of the Year.
“I am honored to be recognized for such a distinguished award, and it has been a privilege to serve the residents of Scott County,” Mr. Payne said in the county’s release. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the support and direction of the Scott County Emergency Management Commission and the staff at Scott County Emergency Management Agency.”
