The primary responsibility of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is to better prepare the State of Illinois for natural, manmade or technological disasters, hazards, or acts of terrorism. Our goal is a "better prepared state." IEMA coordinates the State's disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery programs and activities, functions as the State Emergency Response Commission, and maintains a 24-hour Communication Center and State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). The SEOC acts as lead in crisis/consequence management response and operations to notify, activate, deploy and employ state resources in response to any threat or act of terrorism. IEMA assists local governments with multi-hazard emergency operations plans and maintains the Illinois Emergency Operations Plan.
IEMA is also responsible for protecting Illinois residents from the potentially harmful effects of ionizing radiation, administering more than two dozen programs to protect citizens and the environment. Programs include extensive emergency planning and response efforts and training for local responders for accidents involving radiation; inspecting and regulating radioactive materials licensees; registering and inspecting radiation producing equipment and facilities statewide; accrediting medical radiation technologists; and certifying mammography facilities. IEMA also monitors 11 nuclear power reactors at six nuclear stations licensed to generate electricity in Illinois and inspects and escorts spent nuclear fuel shipments.
Vision
Always Ready
Mission
Prepare, protect and assist the citizens of the State of Illinois through planning, prevention, training, mitigation, response, and recovery to all hazards, natural or manmade.
Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau
Alicia Tate-Nadeau was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker to serve as the Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and Illinois Homeland Security Advisor in January 2019. Tate-Nadeau serves as the Regional Vice President for FEMA Region V and the National Emergency Management Association's (NEMA) Homeland Security Committee. In addition, she serves on the Council of Governors Cybersecurity Sub-Committee to the National Governors Association and is a member of the National Homeland Security Consortium.
Tate-Nadeau brings more than three decades of experience in national security, emergency management, and public safety issues. Prior to this appointment, Tate-Nadeau served as Executive Director of the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications where she implemented and managed the third largest 9-1-1 call center in the nation and procured all information and technology for public safety in the City of Chicago.
Ms. Tate-Nadeau, was the first female general in Illinois history and completed her military service as the Assistant Adjutant General for the Illinois National Guard with a concurrent assignment as the Deputy Commanding General, Army National Guard, United States Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, as well as overseas tours in Iraq and Israel. Ms. Tate-Nadeau was the first National Guard liaison to Israel serving a three year tour to the Israel Home front Command.
Tate-Nadeau is also active in several civic organizations. She serves on the American Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois Regional Board of Directors. In her capacity as Retired Brigadier General, Tate-Nadeau, is a member of Mission: Readiness, the nonpartisan national security organization of over 700 retired admirals and generals who strengthen national security by ensuring kids stay in school, stay fit, and stay out of trouble.
