The Office of External Affairs was created in 2007, bringing together several independent offices and adding two new divisions to enhance a coordinated communications program for the agency.
The office’s purpose is to maintain visibility regarding public and internal communications; coordinate routine and special communications; ensure accurate, useful, timely, synchronized, targeted communication; and provide continuous messaging to meet the needs of the situation. The office also serves as an advisor to FEMA program and support offices on decision making, development, and maintenance of policies and programs to ensure that activities are responsive to stakeholder, media, congressional and other audiences
Leadership
- Director, Office of External Affairs, Jessica Smith
- Deputy Director (Acting), Cindy Taylor
- Senior Policy Advisor, Marty Bahamonde
- Disaster Operations Division Director, James McIntyre
- Intergovernmental Affairs Division Director, Gwen Camp
- Legislative Affairs Division Director (Acting), Pam Williams
- Private Sector Division Director, Dan Stoneking
- Public Affairs Director, Lars Anderson
- Ready Campaign Director, Darryl Madden
- Digital Communication Advisor, Shayne Adamski
Mission
External Affairs engages, informs and educates all FEMA stakeholders in support of the agency’s programs and initiatives to achieve its mission.
Vision
To be a valued and critically important part of carrying out the agency’s mission.