BuildStrong Coalition Supports the Nomination of Deanne Criswell for FEMA Administrator

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The BuildStrong Coalition supports the nomination of Ms. Deanne Criswell to serve as Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Criswell was recently nominated by President Biden to head the agency.

“Ms. Criswell is uniquely qualified to guide FEMA through this unprecedented period as it works to address the rising frequency and costs of disasters and climate impacts, all against the backdrop of coordinating the federal response to a once-in-a-century pandemic,” said BuildStrong Chairman Jimi Grande. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her commitment to FEMA as an organization, emergency management as a discipline, and resiliency as a philosophy — ideals closely aligned with our mission.”

Criswell is equipped with the technical expertise and experience necessary to successfully lead the agency and the federal government’s emergency management efforts under the new administration. Criswell is one of the most respected figures in the emergency management community, with a proven ability to manage responses to severe and complex incidents, including New York City’s response to COVID-19. Criswell’s history of and commitment to collaboration and coordination with all of those involved in the management of and policymaking related to disasters are shared by the Coalition.

The BuildStrong Coalition today submitted a letter for the record to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs urging committee leadership to expeditiously consider and approve Criswell’s nomination in support of the nation’s ability to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against disasters. The Coalition looks forward to supporting the new administrator upon confirmation and continuing to partner with FEMA on its efforts to ensure a ready and resilient nation as we head into hurricane season, wildfire season, and toward other catastrophic disasters.

Read the Full Release