Also appoints as Deputy Director of Budget an economist who dealt with Puerto Rico’s fiscal and public debt crisis.
President-elect Joe Biden announced today that he has selected Deanna Criswell as a candidate to head the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Criswell, who worked at FEMA until 2017, has been in charge of New York City’s office of emergency management.
If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Criswell will lead FEMA’s efforts to disburse approved funds for the reconstruction of the island, especially funds to permanently repair the electrical grid, educational and water supply facilities.
“As we face the devastating impacts of COVID-19, as well as the growing threat of climate change, it is imperative that FEMA address these challenges with innovative ideas to serve all Americans in a fair and equitable manner,” Criswell said.
In announcing a new series of appointments, Biden also nominated Jason Miller, who has been dealing with the fiscal and public debt crisis from the Barack Obama White House, as Deputy Administrator for Management of the Office of Budget and Management (OMB).
Biden had already announced his intention to appoint Neera Tanden as head of OMB. He also announced that Shalanda Young will be number two at OMB.
Miller spent seven years in the Barack Obama administration, including as deputy director of the White House National Economic Council. He was in charge of tasks such as public policy on manufacturing, Puerto Rico’s fiscal and public debt crisis, and transportation and infrastructure initiatives.
President-elect Biden has promised to expedite the disbursement of funds promised to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria, which caused nearly $100 billion in damage and 2,975 deaths.
“I am confident that they will start working from day one with determination and bold thinking to make a significant difference in people’s lives,” Biden said.
