UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Deanne Criswell, the 12th administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will present the commencement address for the College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State on May 6. The ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. in Pegula Ice Arena.
Criswell was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on April 22, 2021, as FEMA’s lead official, where she leads the nation's efforts in helping people before, during and after disasters. She is the first woman confirmed to serve as the Administrator and brings with her an extensive career in public service, including 30 years of service at all levels of government.
Prior to her appointment, Criswell served as the Commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management Department from 2019 to 2021, where she was responsible for coordinating citywide emergency planning and response for all emergencies. One of her most significant accomplishments was leading the coordination of the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The advancement of technology and information has changed the way we can make a difference in people’s lives, especially in the field of emergency management,” said Administrator Criswell. “But, technology is only one part of the solution. People, like the soon-to-be graduates from the College of IST, are the other part. Technology cannot be successful without people, and it’s made even more effective when utilized by those who lead with competence and compassion.”
Criswell began her career in emergency management in Aurora, Colorado, where she led strategic change in the city's emergency and disaster planning. She previously served at FEMA as the leader of one of the Agency's National Incident Management Assistance Teams and as a Federal Coordinating Officer. There, she led the agency's response to and recovery from emergencies and major disasters, from severe flooding in North Dakota to hurricanes in South Carolina to fires in Colorado. She also spent two years as an executive in the private sector.
Criswell also proudly served 21 years in the Colorado Air National Guard. She is a veteran of two overseas tours: as a fire officer in Kuwait immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and to Qatar in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010 where she advised senior leadership on fire protection requirements for new and existing military bases in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Criswell holds a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and master’s degrees from both the University of Colorado – Denver and the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security.