FEMA National Advisory Council (NAC)

This week was simply amazing, and bittersweet, all at the same time. The FEMA National Advisory Council (NAC) met in DC for our annual business meeting - which was the last in-person meeting that I will lead as Chair of the NAC (I officially hang up my chair hat in December). Among the packed agenda, the council deliberated and approved 25 recommendations that will be provided to the FEMA Administrator later this fall. I am SO proud of my colleagues for their truly inspiring work. This year was our most challenging and complex yet, as we balanced six different focus areas in our research and deliberations: climate change, gender-based violence, readiness and workforce, preliminary damage assessments, planning for animal wellness, and emergency management re-imagined. One was in partnership with DHS and DOJ, two were congressionally-mandated, one was an ad-hoc group formed by the NAC themselves, and the others were traditional subcommittees. It’s quite an accomplishment. Thank you Andrew Phelps, Tonya Graham, Tafa Tua-Tupuola, Brenda Bergeron, Brad Richy, Jody Ferguson, Karl Fippinger, CEM, PMP, Justin Kates, Lori Hodges, MA, CCP, PMP, and Kelly McKinney for your leadership this year. The week was immensely personal for me, as well. The meeting was held at my old stomping grounds, DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, and I got to see the smiling faces and get some hugs from my former coworkers - that was the BEST feeling. I also got to spend time with Clint Osborn, Thomas S., Natalie G., Joshua Barnes, Dr. Christopher Rodriguez, and Dillon Taylor, Esq. Their presence meant a lot to me as I start to wind down my duties as chair. And last but not least, Erik S. and I gave a presentation to the NAC on crisis leadership and mental health, in the wake of January 6. It’s the first time we’ve co-presented on our family’s experience… and judging by the tears in the crowd, I think our message hit home for many of my colleagues. Thank you, Deanne Criswell, for giving me the opportunity to chair the NAC over the last year. And thank you to Donald P. Bliss and Mike Antoine for always being in my corner as vice chair and secretary. Rob Long, thank you for your support over the years - I couldn’t have done any of this without you.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Advisory Council (NAC) will meet on September 25-26 to publicly consider, deliberate and vote upon draft recommendations developed by NAC subcommittees in 2024. This meeting will be open to the public through virtual means and in-person means by registration only. To register, please email FEMA-NAC@fema.dhs.gov the following: name, organization, and email address. Additional information is found on the Federal Register Notice. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) invites individuals interested in serving on the National Advisory Council (NAC) to apply by this Sunday May 12, 11:59 ET. Applicants must demonstrate strong leadership skills, emergency management knowledge, and be a highly qualified Climate Change, Communications, or Emergency Management expert; an Emergency Response or In-Patient Medical Provider; or an Elected Government Official experienced with federally declared emergencies. Please make certain that you fully understand the responsibilities, are able to make meet the required commitments, and can complete the application process as outlined in the Federal Register: National Advisory Council.

The Office of the National Advisory Council is pleased to announce that FEMA’s response to the NAC 2023 Report has been published. The recommendations and responses focus on a range of topics, from mental health program availability to streamlining data sharing to lean into FEMA’s culture of continuous improvement. Thank you to the NAC for your thoughtful recommendations and to the partners that helped to coordinate the development of this response. #FEMA #emergencymanagement

Congratulations to the new members of the NAC, incoming Chair Carrie Speranza & Vice Chair Don Bliss, and the rest of the 2024 Leadership Team! https://lnkd.in/gpC8Z45p.

The Office of the National Advisory Council (NAC) is pleased to announce the publication of the NAC 2023 Report. Sincere thanks to all of the members and contributors who helped craft this advice for the #FEMA Administrator. #emergencymanagement https://lnkd.in/gUpys7rx

The Office of the National Advisory Council (NAC) is pleased to announce the publication of the NAC 2023 Report. Sincere thanks to all of the members and contributors who helped craft this advice for the #FEMA Administrator. #emergencymanagement https://lnkd.in/gUpys7rx