This week, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell traveled to Florida where she toured recovery projects and met with local and state emergency managers.
On Tuesday, Administrator Criswell and FEMA Region 4 Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech joined Florida Division of Emergency Management and local officials to tour ongoing recovery projects from Hurricane Michael, the Category 5 storm that made landfall and devastated areas of Mexico Beach and Panama City in 2018.
The Administrator was briefed on local recovery progress efforts, and the focus turned toward rebuilding for resilience against future storms. As they emphasized continued partnership in recovery, the Administrator highlighted the need for resilience in the face of increasing climate risks.
Criswell also attended a town hall meeting Tuesday with Callaway, Panama City and Springfield officials where they discussed the challenges of the past and hopes for the future.
Earlier today, Administrator Criswell gave the keynote address at the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association’s annual meeting in Miramar Beach, where she challenged emergency managers to help shape the programs that our country uses during response and recovery operations.
“We need you to tell us how we can best deliver our assistance to your communities -- your insights have the power to drive policy,” she said. “This is where we need those strong partnerships with you as our local experts … you know where Florida’s underserved communities are, what risks they face and what support they need to be stronger and more resilient.”
The Administrator’s remarks emphasized that FEMA’s success is contingent upon the diversity of our workforce -- diversity of thought, identity, backgrounds and skills. She noted her prioritization of an enterprise approach to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce where we can all work together to build a more resilient nation.
