State officials and residents are reacting to a major leadership change in Arkansas’ emergency management.
Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) Director AJ Gary has announced his retirement, effective November 1, 2026, ending more than a decade of service as the agency’s head and State Homeland Security Advisor.
ADEM Director AJ Gary Announces Retirement
AJ Gary announced his retirement in a statement released by the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management. The retirement will take effect on November 1, 2026. The announcement confirms his role as both ADEM Director and State Homeland Security Advisor.
Gary has served in the ADEM leadership position for over ten years, guiding the state’s emergency management efforts. During his tenure, he has overseen various disaster response and preparedness initiatives. Specific achievements were not detailed in the release.
It is not yet known how the agency will handle the transition or who will succeed him. Details about an interim appointment or a search process have not been provided. The timeline for selecting a new director remains unspecified.
The full retirement announcement can be read on the Arkansas Department of Public Safety website at https://dps.arkansas.gov/news/adem-director-aj-gary-announces-retirement/. It is not yet known what impact the leadership change will have on upcoming emergency planning. Further updates are expected from ADEM as the retirement date approaches.
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