Scottsdale, AZ has officially filled its Emergency Manager role with a familiar face who's proven himself up to the task. In an announcement, City Manager Greg Caton confirmed that Jacob Johnson, who had been serving as Acting Emergency Manager, will take on the position permanently. Johnson's recent accomplishment of earning the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) designation cemented his standing as the right person for the job.

"Jacob's leadership, professionalism, and deep knowledge of emergency management have been invaluable to Scottsdale," Caton said in a statement obtained by Scottsdale's official news portal . "Earning the CEM credential reflects the hard work and expertise Jacob brings to the role every day. We're proud to officially name him as Scottsdale’s emergency manager." Johnson's tenure has tasked him with overseeing the city's readiness for natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other significant events that require coordinated response efforts.

Johnson joined the city staff in June 2022 as a security, safety, and training coordinator for Scottsdale Water Resources. By October of the same year, he had risen to the role of emergency management coordinator and was later promoted to acting emergency manager in July 2024. His swift rise through the ranks reflects a dedication to ensuring that a city like Scottsdale is safeguarded against the unpredictable.

The International Association of Emergency Managers, which oversees the CEM designation, is recognize as a leading authority in the field of emergency management. It brings together over 6,000 professionals dedicated to preserving lives and securing property and the environment when crisis strikes. Johnson's achievement in joining their ranks is a testament to his capability and a reassuring development for the residents of Scottsdale.