McAllen’s Jeff Johnston Honored with Texas Emergency Management Leadership Award

The City of McAllen proudly announces that Assistant City Manager and Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Johnston has received the prestigious Texas Emergency Management Leadership Award from the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). The award was presented today during the annual Texas Emergency Management Conference, held at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

The award recognizes an individual whose outstanding leadership and achievements have had a transformative impact on emergency management operations and community resilience. Johnston was nominated by his colleagues in recognition of his commitment to public safety, innovative leadership, and years of dedicated service in McAllen and throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

“Jeff has been a key player in the Rio Grande Valley emergency management community and continues to be one,” said Tony Peña, TDEM Assistant Chief and former Hidalgo County Emergency Management Coordinator. “His leadership has strengthened interagency coordination, improved emergency readiness, and ensured our communities are better protected during times of crisis.”

Under Johnston’s leadership, McAllen has enhanced its emergency response capabilities through improved disaster preparedness planning, inter-jurisdictional collaboration, and the enhancement of local response teams, including the McAllen/Lower Rio Grande Valley Public Works Emergency Response Team. He has been instrumental in coordinating large-scale response efforts during hurricanes, public health emergencies, and regional flooding events.

“Jeff Johnston’s vision and dedication to public safety have made McAllen a model for emergency preparedness,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “We are incredibly proud of his leadership and this well-deserved recognition by the State of Texas.”

Also receiving the prestigious Texas Emergency Management Leadership Award today was Hidalgo County Emergency Management Coordinator Rick Saldaña for his leadership over the years in helping to navigate Hidalgo County through many weather events and spearheading the annual South Texas All-Hazards Conference, the second largest emergency management conference offered free to approximately 3,000 personnel who respond to emergencies in Hidalgo County, the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas.

The Texas Emergency Management Conference is one of the largest emergency management events in the nation, drawing over 4,000 emergency professionals, elected officials, and decision-makers from across Texas and beyond.

This year’s event held May 27–30, featured more than 200 educational sessions, an expansive exhibit hall, and keynotes from leaders such as Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, and Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp.

Each year, TDEM’s awards program honors individuals and organizations making significant contributions to emergency preparedness and response. Johnston’s recognition underscores the City of McAllen’s ongoing commitment to public safety, resilience, and innovation in crisis response.