Scottsdale City Manager Greg Caton has appointed Acting Emergency Manager Jacob Johnson into the permanent emergency manager role, following Johnson’s completion of the process to earn the Certified Emergency Manager designation.

“Jacob’s leadership, professionalism, and deep knowledge of emergency management have been invaluable to Scottsdale,” said Caton. “Earning the CEM credential reflects the hard work and expertise Jacob brings to the role every day. We’re proud to officially name him as Scottsdale’s emergency manager.”

As emergency manager, Johnson will continue to oversee Scottsdale's emergency planning and coordination with local, state, and federal partners. His role is critical in ensuring Scottsdale is well-prepared for natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other major incidents.

Johnson has been with the city since June 2022, where he started as a security, safety, and training coordinator for Scottsdale Water Resources. He was hired as the emergency management coordinator in October 2022 and then promoted to acting emergency manager in July 2024.

Earning the CEM designation through the International Association of Emergency Managers is widely regarded as the highest professional achievement in the field of emergency management. The organization includes more than 6,000 emergency management professionals worldwide whose goals are saving lives and protecting property and the environment during emergencies and disasters.