MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey has named Brian Hastings director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. Hastings recently retired, with the rank of colonel, from the United States Air Force.
“The recent events in Texas remind us of the importance of having a well-run and effective Emergency Management Agency,” Ivey said. “Colonel Hastings has extensive military experience and is a proven leader. He will bring an unmatched work-ethic, determination, and unparalleled experience of leading under extreme circumstances – all of which are essential attributes of an effective EMA Director.”
Since 1990, Hastings served in the United States Air Force before retiring in August 2017. Prior to his retirement, Hastings served for two years as commandant of the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base and previously served as the commander of the 47th Flying Training Wing. During his military career, Hastings earned the Legion of Merit Medal, the Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan, three Meritorious Service Medals, and served as a flight instructor. He is a command pilot with more than 2,600 hours in attack and training aircraft. He has held a variety of positions, including battalion air liaison officer and chief of standardization and evaluation.
“The Alabama Emergency Management Agency plays a vital role in preparing for and responding to various emergent events in Alabama. I am thankful for the trust placed in me by Governor Ivey, and I humbled to be a part of her quest to serve the people of Alabama,” Hastings said. “The men and women who work at Alabama EMA are dedicated public servants; I look forward to working alongside them.”
Hastings is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and holds a master’s degree in aeronautical science with distinction from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a master’s of science in resourcing national security strategy from the Eisenhower School of the National Defense University. He is also a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
Hastings will take office Sept. 5, 2017, and replaces Art Faulkner, who retired effective August 31.
“Art Faulkner has admirably served our state since 1996, first as State 9-1-1 Coordinator, then as Director of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, and finally as EMA Director since 2011. I appreciate Art’s decades of service and dedication to this great state; I wish him nothing but the best as he enters retirement,” Ivey added.
Governor Ivey has appointed Jeff Smitherman, Alabama Emergency Management Agency director of operations, as acting director of EMA effective Sept. 1, 2017; Smitherman will serve as acting director until Hastings’ appointment takes effect.
