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Deanne Criswell
Former FEMA Administrator
Deanne Criswell is an experienced emergency management professional and served as the 12th Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). She was sworn in as FEMA’s first female Administrator on April 26, 2021, under President Joe Biden. As FEMA Administrator, Criswell focused on making disaster response more equitable, addressing climate-related risks, and improving coordination with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. Before leading FEMA, she served as the Commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management Department, where she played a pivotal role in managing large-scale emergencies in complex urban environments, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Criswell also served as the Emergency Manager for Aurora, Colorado, where she led the city's emergency preparedness, response, and recovery programs.
Additionally, she served in the Colorado Air National Guard for over two decades, bringing military expertise to crisis management.
Additionally, she served in the Colorado Air National Guard for over two decades, bringing military expertise to crisis management.
