Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz has been reappointed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Advisory Council (NAC) by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. Chief Muñoz, who was first appointed to the council in late 2023 while serving as the City’s Emergency Management Coordinator, will now transition from his role as an Emergency Management Representative to an Emergency Response Provider seat to align with his position as Fire Chief.
Justin Kates of Philadelphia has been selected to fill the remaining two years of the Emergency Management Representative seat vacated by Muñoz.
“Chief Muñoz is a dedicated public servant and the best fire chief in the country,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “I am pleased that he has been reappointed to this critical FEMA advisory role. Houston and the nation will continue to benefit from his leadership, experience, and expertise in emergency management and response and recovery.”
The NAC advises the FEMA administrator on all aspects of emergency management, including preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for disasters. The council comprises 40 geographically diverse officials, emergency managers, and emergency response providers from various sectors. Since its inception in 2006, the NAC has provided numerous recommendations to FEMA on emergency management topics.
FEMA Administrator Criswell noted that the council brings together a wide range of experts to help guide the agency in fulfilling its mission. Donald Bliss, the new NAC Chair, added that the council’s focus for 2025 would include strengthening consequence management, improving long-term risk reduction, and addressing challenges related to technology, security, and innovation in emergency management.
