Emergency Management

Robert Wike Graham

Division Chief and Deputy Director Robert Graham oversees the daily operational and planning activities for CMEMO, acting as a liaison with local, state, and federal agencies. He is responsible for Emergency Support Functions (ESF) #4 – Firefighting and #5 – Emergency Management and manages the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Incident Management Team (IMT).

Robert joined the Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) in 1996, advancing through various roles before becoming Division Chief in 2022. Chief Graham is a former President of the North Carolina Search and Rescue Advisory Council, current Peer Team Leader for the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, and former Accreditation Manager for the CFD. Chief Graham holds many technical certifications and serves as a fire and rescue instructor and National Incident Management System (NIMS) instructor for the State of North Carolina and FEMA. Chief Graham has worked and led responses locally, including severe weather, cyber, technical hazard responses, COVID-19, and other significant emergencies. Chief Graham has been deployed nationally for seven primary hurricane responses, including the Deep Water Horizon oil spill and the Mount Kilauea eruption in 2018.

He holds numerous certifications and teaches as an adjunct professor. His academic credentials include an Associate of Science in Emergency Preparedness Technology from Caldwell Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science Administration from the University of New Haven, a Master of Professional Studies in Safety and Security Leadership from George Washington University, and a Graduate Certificate in Community Preparedness and Disaster Management from UNC Chapel Hill. Robert has also completed the FEMA National Emergency Management Advanced and Executive Academies.

Corbin Hyland

Corbin Hyland is the Branch Manager of Planning and Operations for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management. He leads a multidisciplinary planning team and oversees preparedness initiatives across the region. Corbin specializes in healthcare emergency preparedness, mass casualty and fatality planning, and regional coordination. He also serves as a Paramedic II with Stanly County EMS and a Tactical Paramedic for law enforcement operations. Corbin is a Certified Emergency Manager (IAEM), a graduate of the FEMA National Emergency Management Advanced Academy, and holds a Master of Science in Security Studies from East Carolina University.

Matt Brown

Matthew Brown is the Logistics Planner for CMEMO, responsible for Emergency Support Function (ESF) #7—Logistics Management and Support. He coordinates CMEMO assets across Mecklenburg County and surrounding jurisdictions, manages specialized equipment for the Charlotte Fire Department’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and Hazardous Materials teams, and oversees deployment and maintenance of the Mobile Operations Center (MOC) and Mobile Command Post (MCP).

Dan Glaser-Reich

Dan Glaser-Reich is an Emergency Management Coordinator at CMEMO, specializing in disaster response coordination for Health, Human Services, and Mass Care. He leads the development of the county’s Family Assistance Center program and co-manages the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Dan brings over four years of field experience and holds a Master’s of Professional Studies in Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management from Georgetown University, along with an Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) certification.

Paige Grande

Paige Grande is the Public Information Officer and Community Preparedness Coordinator at CMEMO. She oversees the Alerts and Warning Program, including IPAWS and CharMeck Alerts, ensuring timely and effective communication with residents during emergencies. Paige also leads the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, working to strengthen community resilience through outreach and education. She holds a Master’s in Public Service Administration from Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Communication from George Washington University.

Ashley Riggins

Ashley Riggins is an Emergency Management Coordinator at CMEMO, where she oversees technology systems and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) functionality. She brings over 16 years of experience in emergency services and fire safety, with a background spanning roles at Charlotte Fire Prevention, Waxhaw Fire Department, Union County, and Atrium Health Emergency Management. Ashley is currently completing her Master’s in Security Studies with a concentration in Homeland Security Policy at East Carolina University.

Jon Ronda

Jon Ronda serves as an Emergency Management Coordinator at CMEMO, where he leads the agency’s Training, Exercise, and Homeland Security initiatives. He is responsible for developing and delivering training programs, coordinating multi-agency exercises, and supporting regional homeland security planning efforts. Jon holds a Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University with a Certificate in Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Alexa Santa Cruz

Alexa Santa Cruz is an Emergency Management Coordinator at CMEMO, where she oversees Emergency Operations Center (EOC) readiness and operational coordination. She plays a key role in maintaining EOC capabilities and supporting response planning. Alexa joined CMEMO in September 2025 after completing a year-long internship with the agency. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Emergency Management at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Emergency Management has been woven into the very fabric of our nation long before it gained an official title. Our office was initially chartered in 1953 as the Charlotte Office of Civil Defense, tasked with preparing the community for potential wartime threats during the Cold War era. Over the decades, as the nature of threats evolved, so did the scope of our mission. In 1983, through an interlocal agreement between the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, we became the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office (CMEMO), reflecting a broader mandate to safeguard our community against various hazards.

The transformation of Emergency Management as we know it today is a response to pivotal local, state, and federal disasters over the past 25 years. Two key events, the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, have significantly shaped the field—the tragic events of 9/11 exposed vulnerabilities in national security and emergency response frameworks. In the aftermath, comprehensive legislation and the formation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) were enacted to bolster the nation's ability to prevent, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks and other emergencies. Similarly, Hurricane Katrina's devastation underscored the need for robust emergency management capabilities. The storm’s impact led to significant reforms, which enhanced the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) authority and capacity to support state and local governments during large-scale disasters. Together, these events and the subsequent legislative actions have been instrumental in advancing the protection of life and property within the United States and its territories, reinforcing our commitment to an all-hazards approach that integrates diverse strategies to address a broad spectrum of emergencies, from natural disasters to human-caused incidents.

At CMEMO, we continue to evolve, learning from past experiences and leveraging technological advancements and best practices to enhance our capabilities. Our dedication to safeguarding our community is unwavering, and we remain vigilant in our mission to protect the citizens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg through comprehensive planning, response, and recovery efforts.

The North Carolina Emergency Management Act, N.C. G. S. 166A-7(d)(2) authorizes and requires each county and incorporated municipality in the state to direct and coordinate the development of emergency management plans and programs by the policies and standards set by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) and the Division of Emergency Management (NCEM).

Our office operates primarily under this guidance, but our office also maintains legal authority under local ordinances and federal authorities, which is situation dependent. Included are a few key federal authorities that guide Emergency Management initiatives nationwide:

• Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
• Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8

Since November 2017, all licensed care facilities that accept Medicare and/or Medicaid must comply with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Emergency Preparedness Rule.

The mission of this rule is to enable federal, state, tribal, regional, and local governmental agencies and healthcare providers to respond to every emergency in a timely, collaborative, organized, and effective manner, which includes developing the following:

1. emergency plan(s) based on an “all hazards” approach, using the facility risk assessment.
2. policies and procedures based on the emergency plan and facility risk assessments.
3. a communications plan that prepares for all hazards and complies with federal and state law.
4. a training and testing program, including initial training and annual training and the facilitation of drills and exercises (two are required per year).

Each facility(s) must file emergency plans with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office (CMEMO) annually.

To submit your facility’s plan, complete the form with your information. Your plan will be included in our secure database and shared with our team and applicable response partners.

Licensed Care Facility Emergency Plan Form

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office (CMEMO) has created a registration program for individuals who are homebound or have specific access or functional needs requiring evacuation assistance. This includes those who use oxygen, respirators, or ventilators, require wheelchair support, need animal assistance, or have visual, hearing, speech, behavioral, mental, or substance abuse needs.

Registration is voluntary and will help prioritize assistance in emergencies based on the situation and available resources. By registering, first responders will be aware of your specific needs during a disaster in your area.

To register, complete the provided fillable form. Your information will be stored securely and shared with our response partners. Upon successful submission, you will receive a confirmation message.

Special Needs Registry Form