Deanne Criswell became the city’s first female emergency management commissioner in 2019 after spending five years at the Federal Emergency Management Agency during President Obama’s administration.
As head of the city’s Office of Emergency Management, she has helped direct the city’s COVID response, as well as managing its response to potentially hazardous storms, large fires and power outages.
Mayor de Blasio described her as “fearless” and “deeply respected” in his administration.
Criswell said she is “incredibly honored” by the nomination.
“As we face the devastating impacts of COVID-19, as well as the increasing threat of climate change, it is imperative that FEMA addresses these challenges with innovative ideas to serve all Americans fairly and equitably,” she said in a written statement put out Friday morning by City Hall. “I look forward to this incredible opportunity.”
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