Media & Communications

Meet the TEAM

Teresa Farfan
Teresa Farfan
Media & Communications Officer

Teresa Farfan joined the Texas Division of Emergency Management as a bilingual Media and Communications Officer. She has brought to the TDEM’s team her experience in public and media relations as well as in journalism.  She earned years of experience in public/media relations while working for several Texas state agencies. Prior to her work in government, she made a career as reporter, anchor and executive producer working for Hispanic media outlets at the local and national level.

Mrs. Farfan has a degree in Leadership and Business Administration from Texas A&M University, where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She also has an AA in Government.  She has earned a certificate of Communications Strategy from the University of Texas at Austin.

Teresa FarfanTeresa Farfan
Wes Rapaport
Wes Rapaport
Media & Communications Officer

An award-winning journalist, Wes came to TDEM from Nexstar Media Group, where he served as a correspondent covering Texas. He was one of the few reporters stationed in Rockport when the eye of Hurricane Harvey passed over the Texas coast in 2017.

His work during Hurricane Harvey, which included uncovering price-gouging of hotels in the aftermath of the storm, was nominated for a Lone Star Emmy. He also worked on the ground during other disasters over the past several years. He was honored with a Lone Star Emmy for his work on an episode of KXAN-TV's weekly television program State of Texas.

Prior to moving to Austin, Wes was a reporter and anchor in Lubbock, where he was recognized by Lubbock Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 972 with a Texas State Association of Fire Fighters Merit Award for his reporting on fire fighter health. He has more than a decade of experience in television and video production. His work has appeared nationally. Wes graduated from Chapman University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Television & Broadcast Journalism.

Wes RapaportWes Rapaport
Taylor Baxter
Taylor Baxter
Social Media Manager

Bio Coming Soon.

Taylor BaxterTaylor Baxter
Aaron Alvarez
Aaron Alvarez
Advance Representative

Aaron Alvarez is TDEM’s Advance Representative, working closely with the Media & Communications team and agency leadership to support public engagements and events across the state.

Aaron is a graduate of the inaugural Texas Emergency Management Academy, where he received his FEMA National Emergency Management Basic Academy Certificate of Completion as well as NREMT Emergency Medical Technician Basic Certification. The Academy provided him with over 1,400 hours of instruction, training, and knowledge in a variety of aspects of emergency management, including the fields of emergency preparedness, disaster response, recovery, and hazard mitigation.

After graduating high school and attending college, Aaron worked as a project manager for a general contracting company in Austin, TX. During his free time, he spent many hours volunteering for the local Fire Department and learning about Fire and Emergency Services.

Aaron AlvarezAaron Alvarez
Nicolette Casey
Nicolette Casey
Executive Assistant

Nicolette graduated from Universidad Latina de Panamá with a degree in International Marketing & Advertising and has 5 years of experience as a Fraud Analyst for Meta Marketplace.

She is a driven, savvy, and resourceful executive assistant with a knack for multitasking and a talent for interacting with people. She is committed to providing exceptional support.

With her work ethic and proactive attitude, she has become an invaluable asset in ensuring the success and smooth functioning of the team. Nicolette works collaboratively with colleagues and is always willing to lend a helping hand. She maintains a high level of discretion and confidentiality by fostering trust and creating a secure working environment. In her free time, she enjoys reading self-improvement books, having an active lifestyle, and making memories with her loved ones.

Nicolette CaseyNicolette Casey

News & Updates

The Latest From TDEM TV

TDEM's Mitigation Division Supports Local Communities with Storm Shelters

Are you prepared? Take time today to learn how to prepare yourself and your family before disaster strikes. TDEM works with local partners to support installation of storm shelters across Texas.

Visit the links below for additional information about safe rooms and storm shelters. Prepare today for a safer tomorrow!