Alicia Tate-Nadeau Bio

Alicia Tate-Nadeau was appointed by Mayor Emanuel to serve as the Executive Director of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) on June 20, 2016.

Tate-Nadeau brings to OEMC more than three decades of experience in national security, emergency management, and public safety issues. She is the Assistant Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard and concurrently the Deputy Commanding General, Army National Guard, United States Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In 2015, Tate-Nadeau made history by becoming the first female in Illinois’ history to be promoted to the position of General.

Prior to this appointment, and as part of her work with the Illinois National Guard, Tate-Nadeau served in Israel from 2011 to 2014, where she planned, coordinated, and conducted emergency management exercises with international partners. While in Israel, she helped oversee the first-ever exercise between the United States, Israel, and Germany regarding Search and Rescue operations in urban areas.

Tate-Nadeau also served in Iraq, where she was stationed from 2005-2006. While in Iraq, Tate-Nadeau advised and assessed military operations, and also worked with the Iraqi population to promote civic engagement with the local and national government. In recognition of her work in Iraq, Tate-Nadeau was awarded the Bronze Star – one of the highest decorations awarded to members of the United States military.

Tate-Nadeau was a core member of Secretary Defense William Cohen tiger team that was instrumental in the development of Defense Reform Initiative 25 relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction Domestic Preparedness Division of the Army Reserve Command, helping states prepare for domestic and international threats.

As the Executive Director of OEMC, Tate-Nadeau brings these experiences and more in overseeing the department’s mission to coordinate the City’s public safety efforts and ensure the security of every resident. From helping keep our streets plowed and passable in the winter to managing the city’s 9-1-1 Center and protecting people and property during large-scale events, OEMC manages Chicago’s public safety efforts swiftly and seamlessly.

Tate-Nadeau is the proud mother of a 25 year old daughter and 19 year old son.