Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz has been reappointed to Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Advisory Council, where he will now serve as an Emergency Response Provider, after previously joining in late 2023 as an Emergency Management Representative. The city released a statement announcing the shift in his role, according to the City of Houston.
Justin Kates of Philadelphia is stepping into the role vacated by Chief Muñoz, serving the remaining two-year term. The full list of appointees is available for those interested in the decision-makers in this field. Houston Mayor John Whitmire has expressed confidence in Muñoz's abilities, stating, "Chief Munoz is a dedicated public servant and the best fire chief in the country." The National Advisory Council, which has been influential in shaping Federal Emergency Management Agency's strategies since 2006, includes experts who have made hundreds of recommendations on various aspects of emergency management, as reported by the City of Houston.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell and new National Advisory Council Chair Donald Bliss emphasize the council's key role in shaping the agency's future. "The National Advisory Council brings together a broad range of experts and critical partners to help us build the FEMA our nation needs and deserves," Criswell says. Bliss adds, "We will continue to provide valuable guidance and advice to the Administrator with innovative approaches that better serve disaster survivors in state, local, territorial and Tribal communities." Looking ahead to 2025, he emphasizes, "Our focus for 2025 is on strengthening consequence management, improving long-term risk reduction and addressing the challenges of technology, security and innovation in emergency management," as stated by the City of Houston.
