FEMA announces new appointments to National Advisory Council

FEMA names 10 new members to advisory council

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced 10 new appointments and three returning members to the National Advisory Council (NAC) on December 31, 2024.

The NAC advises FEMA on emergency management, including preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.

According to FEMA, the council represents diverse perspectives with 40 members from state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, private entities, and non-governmental organizations.

Administrator Criswell stated: “The National Advisory Council brings together a broad range of experts and critical partners to help us build the FEMA our nation needs and deserves.”

Donald Bliss to lead FEMA’s advisory council

Donald Bliss will serve as Chair of the NAC.

He is supported by Michael Antoine as Vice Chair and Andrew Phelps as Secretary.

Bliss expressed priorities for 2025: “Our focus is on strengthening consequence management, improving long-term risk reduction, and addressing the challenges of technology, security, and innovation in emergency management.”

Bliss also recognized the contributions of outgoing Chair Emeritus Carrie Speranza: “Her trailblazing ideas have been an inspiration to all NAC members.”

Details of the new NAC appointments

The following 10 members are starting their first term on January 1, 2025:

• Marissa Aho, Climate Director, Executive Climate Office, King County, Washington
• Diogenes Ayala, Emergency Manager, MercyOne, Des Moines, Iowa
• William Driscoll Jr., State Senator, Representing Norfolk, Plymouth, and Bristol, Massachusetts
• Chief David Hill, Principal Chief, Muscogee (Creek) Nation
• Marc Pappas, Director, Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, Rhode Island
• Justin Pierce, Director, Emergency Management Department, Charleston County Government, South Carolina
• John Pisowicz, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Porter County, Indiana
• Vincent Torres, Director, Emergency Management, University of Miami Health System, Florida
• Dillon Taylor, Chief of Staff and Senior Counsel, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia
• Brian Baker, Vice President, Hagerty Consulting, Washington, D.C.

Additionally, Tonya Graham, Mayor of Ashland, Oregon, begins her second term on January 1, 2025.

Returning members and outgoing leaders

Two previously appointed NAC members will assume updated roles.

Justin Kates will fill the Emergency Management Representative seat vacated by Thomas Muñoz, who now represents the Emergency Response Provider seat as Chief of the Houston Fire Department.

Several members completed their terms on November 30, 2024, including Kathy Baughman McLeod, Jody Ferguson, and Tim Gleason.

FEMA acknowledged their contributions to the agency’s initiatives.

FEMA adds new expertise to National Advisory Council: Summary

FEMA’s National Advisory Council (NAC) has welcomed 10 new members, appointed three returning members, and acknowledged the service of outgoing members.

Donald Bliss assumes the role of Chair, supported by Michael Antoine and Andrew Phelps.

The NAC advises FEMA on emergency management policies and initiatives.

New members include experts in climate, emergency medicine, and government leadership.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell highlighted the importance of the NAC in enhancing FEMA’s mission to support communities before, during, and after disasters.

Returning member Justin Kates and Chief Thomas Muñoz have also transitioned into new roles within the NAC.

Outgoing members concluded their terms in November 2024, contributing to the NAC’s efforts over several years.