An employee with the Gwinnett County Office of Emergency Management, a unit within the county’s police department, has earned an international certification.

Emergency Management Specialist Michael Shaw has been awarded the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM®) credential from the International Association of Emergency Managers.

Shaw has been with Gwinnett County since 2010 and leads several disaster preparedness, planning, and recovery projects.

“The CEM® designation is the highest honor of professional achievement available from the International Association of Emergency Managers,” said Greg Swanson, director of emergency management for Gwinnett County. “Only 1,990 individuals in the emergency management profession hold the CEM® designation worldwide and we are proud that Michael has attained this professional milestone.”

Individuals applying for the designation must successfully complete an extensive credentials package, a management essay and a written examination. The credentials requirements include experience, references, education, training and contributions to the profession.