To support and enhance Texas preparedness for any emergency by managing a comprehensive planning and exercise program, and by developing products and communication that support the emergency management community.
TDEM's Preparedness Division administers a statewide emergency management program focusing on all-hazards emergency planning, Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) training, exercise, and continuous improvement. The Preparedness Division consists of the Operational Plans Unit, Strategic Plans Unit, Technological Hazards Unit, and Exercise/Continuous Improvement Unit.
The Preparedness Division is dedicated to the whole community by managing and coordinating a comprehensive all-hazards program.
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James Elliott is the Chief of the Preparedness Division at the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). He joined the TDEM team in 2023.
Prior to joining TDEM, James served as the Continuity Administrator for the Texas Department of Transportation, Director of Facility Safety and Security at the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, and Senior Homeland Security Analyst at the Texas Office of Homeland Security / Texas Department of Public Safety. He has broad experience in public administration and business management, state and federal policy, strategic management, as well as project management and system integration.
An experienced leader, he previously served as the Vice President of Special Programs at SOC LLC, Senior Program Manager at BAE Systems/Intelligence and Security, and a Principal Program Manager at General Dynamics – Advanced Information Systems. Before that, he was Protective Agent and Federal Law Enforcement Officer for the Central Intelligence Agency.
James currently serves on the Preparedness Coordinating Council and has served the Continuity Council and the Texas Violent Gang Task Force Advisory Council. He also served for over 4 years in the U.S. Army as a member of 3/75 Ranger Batallion and 2/11 Infantry Regiment.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Columbus State University, a Master of Arts in Political Science from George Mason University, and a Master of Business Administration from American Military University. James also recently completed an Executive Graduate Certificate in Public Policy at Liberty University and is a Doctor of Philosophy Candidate in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies at Marywood University.
James, his wife Libby, and their two daughters enjoy community-based charitable work along with church and civic activities. He also enjoys history, art, and travelling.
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Kristof Hermans is the Section Chief of Preparedness and Continuity at the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).
Kristof is a seasoned emergency management professional with over 25 years of experience. His career began as a fire chief for the Belgian Air Force, and he has since played pivotal roles in program management and implementation for multiple organizations, including assisting with development of the Anthrax response program for the United States Postal Service, serving as the FEMA Region 9 Disaster Operations Section Chief, and acting as the Emergency Manager for the U.S. Courts, where he oversaw over 700 court units and responded to disasters nationwide.
Since joining TDEM in 2017, Kristof has led several critical programs and now oversees the Planning, Continuity of Operations, and Exercise Units.
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Chris Earp is the Preparedness Section Chief over Emerging Threats and Special Hazards.
Chris joined TDEM in 2016 as a Local and Regional Planner in the Preparedness Division. In 2017, Chris was promoted to District Coordinator at the Capitol where he provided technical expertise and coordination on numerous operations dealing with multiple special events, protests, and rallies which occurred at the Texas State Capitol. Chris has also supported State Operations Center activations for flooding responses, cybersecurity responses, hurricane responses, winter weather, and the pandemic response. During Hurricane Harvey, Chris served as the TDEM representative on site for the San Antonio State Resource Staging Area.
Chris was promoted to State Coordinator in 2019 for the Capitol Region. When TDEM joined The Texas A&M University System, Chris was promoted to Section Chief and was given responsibility for the State Management Team in September of 2019 and was assigned to the State Operations Center.
Prior to joining TDEM, Chris served as a law enforcement officer for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and the City of Midland Police Department. In 2015, Chris was appointed as the Ector County/City of Odessa/City of Goldsmith Emergency Management Coordinator.
Chris also served on the Texas A&M Forest Service Permian Basin Type 3 Incident Management Team where he deployed to the Rockhouse Fire in 2011 as well as other operations in support of state responses including hurricanes and wildland fire operations.
Chris received his Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications from Texas Tech University and his Master of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management from the American Military University.
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