I am honored to submit the 2025 Annual Virginia Comprehensive Emergency Management Report, in accordance with Virginia Code § 44-146.18:4.

As the Acting State Coordinator of Emergency Management, I extend my deepest gratitude and admiration for the outstanding team at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). Our mission remains resolute: to deliver exceptional emergency management services through innovation, professionalism, and collaborative partnerships across the Commonwealth. Fiscal Year 2025 was another historic year of emergencies in the Commonwealth and presented a range of challenges and notable achievements.

Operationally, VDEM supported more than 60 incidents from the Logistics Support and Coordination Center and responded to a wide range of emergencies, including winter weather, hurricanes, and flooding. The agency maintained 24/7 situational awareness and supported 19 EMAC missions while hosting 16 inbound missions during Hurricane Helene. VDEM also responded to 144 missing persons cases and 65 9-1-1 outages, reinforcing our role as a critical response agency.

Our accomplishments are a direct reflection of the dedication and resilience of VDEM’s professionals who continuously adapt and excel in evolving emergency environments.

Through a revitalized strategic planning process, VDEM implemented agile methodologies and crossfunctional Tiger Teams to drive progress. Key initiatives included the creation of the “EMbark" onboarding program, the development of a Commonwealth Preparedness Cycle, and the digitization of all state and federal mandates for improved accessibility and accountability.

VDEM demonstrated exceptional financial stewardship, managing over $1.7 billion in disaster funds with zero audit findings. The agency processed more than $420 million in federal grant payments and secured $716 million in federal revenues for state, local, and nonprofit partners. By automating subrecipient monitoring and integrating financial systems, VDEM significantly increased efficiency and transparency. This advancement was exemplified during the Hurricane Helene recovery, when the first Public Assistance reimbursement was issued to the Town of Appalachia within just 70 days of the disaster declaration, a substantial improvement from the previous six-month average.

VDEM updated numerous statewide disaster plans, including the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan, the State Hazard Mitigation Plan, and specialized annexes for cyber response, radiological emergencies, and hurricanes. The team also expanded our outreach and partnerships, launching the Endeavor private sector exchange with over 1,700 members.

Training and education remained a top priority, with VDEM delivering 327 courses to more than 5,300 students and conducting 34 exercises involving over 3,700 participants. Partnerships with the Department of Social Services and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner helped expand training in mass care and fatality management.

This report celebrates not only our past achievements but also our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a lean yet powerful agency, VDEM’s dedication to supporting local, state, tribal, and federal partners is steadfast. We focus on both immediate response and continuous capability building to ensure a resilient future.

Looking ahead, we embrace the challenges with confidence and determination. Together, we are forging a stronger, safer, and more prepared Virginia — ready to protect and serve every community we hold dear.

Respectfully,
/s/ John Scrivani
State Coordinator of Emergency Management