Reports: Trump Expected to Formally Tap Former RIEMA Chief Gaynor to Head FEMA
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Pete Gaynor, the former head of Rhode Island’s Emergency Management Agency, is expected to be tapped by President Donald Trump as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s permanent director, according to reports.
Gaynor had been serving as acting FEMA director since the spring, when controversy rocked the agency and former Director William “Brock' Long stepped down in February following reports of improper use a federal vehicle.
VIDEO: Watch Gaynor on GoLocal LIVE Talking Hurricane Preparedness HERE
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAccording to Axios, 2 sources “familiar with Trump's decision” said that Trump would be moving forward with Gaynor, after his previous nomination of Jeffrey Byard “stalled in the Senate.”
"Why it matters," wrote Axios. "The administration has been operating without a confirmed FEMA chief during an active hurricane season."
And according to the New York Times -- a "barroom altercation" in Byard's past was reason for his stalled nomination.
About Gaynor
Gaynor was confirmed by the Senate in October 2018 to be Deputy Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Gaynor was appointed director of Rhode Island’s Emergency Management Agency by Governor Gina Raimondo in January 2015 where he advised the governor on emergency management policy and served as the principal liaison between FEMA and local emergency management offices throughout Rhode Island.
With extensive experience in coordinating response and recovery efforts for evacuations, he oversaw blizzards, floods, tropical storms, public health emergencies, mass care, special events and school safety. During his tenure, the agency responded to numerous small and large disasters, including one presidentially declared disaster and the management of at least seven pre-existing active federal disasters.
In addition, he served as the policy advisor to the Governor on emergency management matters and served as the liaison between FEMA and all local emergency management offices throughout the State. He was also the Chair of the State Interoperable Communications Committee, the State Emergency Response Commission, and was Vice Chair of the State Emergency Management Advisory Committee.
He served as a Commissioner and a member for the Program Review Committee for the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) which fosters excellence and accountability in emergency management and homeland security programs across the nation.
