AUSTIN—President Donald J. Trump appointed Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd to a federal review board examining the national emergency disaster response system.
“I am proud to announce the formation of the FEMA Review Council, comprised of Top Experts in their fields, who are Highly Respected by their peers,” Trump posted on TruthSocial, April 28.
Trump established the review council by executive order on Jan. 24 to advise him of FEMA’s ability to manage disasters and recommend improvements.
Abbott said he looked forward to bringing the Lone Star State’s “leadership in emergency management to the national conversation to ensure FEMA bolsters its role as a true partner to state and local governments,” in an April 29 news release.
“I have seen firsthand the critical role emergency management plays to protect Texans and our communities when disaster strikes,” Abbott added. “This council will ensure FEMA becomes more responsive, efficient, and supportive of state-led disaster efforts across the nation.”
Kidd has been at the TDEM’s helm since 2010 and said he welcomes the opportunity to join the review panel.
“As we study the future of FEMA, I look forward to working with the co-chairs and the other members to strive for productive and valuable decisions to benefit not just individual communities, but the nation at large,” Kidd noted. “I remain committed to seeking solutions that optimize FEMA’s effectiveness for the American people. Working together, we can synchronize the efforts of local, state, and federal partners to support Texans and all Americans.”
Kidd and Abbott join co-chairs Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and others from Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi on the board.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council appointees:
• Co-Chair: Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem
• Co-Chair: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth
• Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas
• Phil Bryant, former Mississippi governor
• Mayor Jane Castor, Tampa, Florida
• Mark Cooper, former chief of staff for Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards
• Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, Miami-Dade County, Florida
• Evan Greenberg, CEO, Chubb Limited
• Executive Director Kevin Guthrie, Florida Division of Emergency Management
• Chief W. Nim Kidd, Texas Division of Emergency Management
• Chairman Michael Whatley, Republican National Committee
• Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Virginia
• Robert J. Fenton, Jr., Region 9 Administrator and two-time Acting Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency
