Arkansas emergency management chief AJ Gary to retire

Arkansas’ top emergency management official announced Monday he’s retiring after serving in the role for more than a decade.

AJ Gary, director of the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management and state homeland security adviser, announced he’s retiring effective Nov. 1. 

Gary was first appointed by former Gov. Asa Hutchinson in June 2016 and reappointed in 2023, by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

“AJ has been instrumental in helping us deliver assistance to Arkansans when they need it most and stood with me on some of our toughest days,” Sanders said in a news release. “I’m grateful to AJ for his career in public service and wish him the best as he enters this well-earned next chapter.”

The state’s emergency management agency responded to 49 state and federally declared disasters under Gary’s tenure. Arkansas also modernized the statewide dashboard used by agencies to report emergencies and request assistance during his time in office.

Gary had previously served more than 28 years with the Conway Police Department, and is the department’s former chief. He is also former chief security administrator for Air Transport International LLC.

In a news release, Gary said leading the Division of Emergency Management was “one of the greatest honors” of his career and said he was proud of the team he led.

“Their dedication, professionalism, and compassion set a standard that is recognized across the nation,” Gary said. “As I prepare to retire, I do so with full confidence that the ADEM team will continue to serve Arkansans with the same commitment and excellence they demonstrate every day.”