The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Advisory Council made history in appointing a Tribal representative as its council chair.
Jeff Hansen, director of community safety for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, was appointed council chair, according to a Nov. 1 news release announcing the appointment of 16 new members and three returning members to the council.
“The National Advisory Council brings together diverse voices and viewpoints to help us better identify and address the emergency management challenges facing FEMA and our nation,” Administrator Deanne Criswell said in the release. “I am proud to share that, for the first time in its history, a Tribal Nation representative will serve as the chair of the council. Jeff Hansen, of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, dutifully served four years as vice chair of the council and I am confident he will continue to serve our nation well in this new role."
Hansen was the council’s vice chair for four years, having worked with outgoing Chair W. Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, according to the release.
“FEMA appreciates Mr. Kidd’s many years of devoted service,” the release said.
Additionally, beginning in 2023, the size of the council will grow from 35 to 40 members, including positions designated on climate change," Criswell added, according to the release. "These new positions will allow FEMA to be better informed as we carry out our mission of helping people before, during and after disasters.”
Created in 2006, the council advises the FEMA administrator on emergency management, the release said. It has given nearly 400 recommendations to FEMA.
