FEMA Region 6 Prepares For Leadership Transition 

Regional Administrator Tony Russell Will Depart for New Post

Release Date: April 25, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-079

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region 6 Office is preparing for a transition in leadership.

On May 6, current Regional Administrator Tony Russell will become the new Superintendent of FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Russell was appointed as FEMA Region 6 Administrator in December 2009, and has been responsible for the oversight of FEMA operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. He previously served as the

Acting Director of FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office (LRO) and as a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) for FEMA Region 8.

“It is very difficult to leave a job that is so meaningful and rewarding,” said Russell. “I am honored to have served with our federal, state, local, tribal, non-governmental and private sector emergency partners and look forward to working with them further, but now, on a national level.”

Russell’s accomplishments while serving as FEMA Region 6 Administrator include the streamlining and reinvigoration of recovery efforts from hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike in Louisiana and Texas.

He also oversaw many federal disaster and emergency declarations for events such as flooding, tornados and severe winter storms in all five of the region’s states.

FEMA Region 6 Deputy Administrator Tony Robinson will assume the duties of Acting Regional Administrator upon Russell’s departure.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 25-Apr-2012 11:34:39