Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Acting Administrator David Richardson has resigned after approximately six months in the post, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed.
Richardson assumed the leadership role in May 2025, following the dismissal of his predecessor, and oversaw FEMA during a notably active disaster season. His tenure ended amid heavy criticism over the agency’s response to severe flooding in Texas that resulted in more than 130 deaths.
A DHS statement credited Richardson with guiding FEMA through the 2025 hurricane season and directing historic disaster‐relief funding to regions such as North Carolina, Florida and Texas. “The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security extend their sincere appreciation to … David Richardson … for his dedicated service,” the agency said.
The news comes as FEMA faces extensive restructuring under a review council tasked with redefining the agency’s mission and operations. Starting December 1, FEMA Chief of Staff Karen Evans will assume the role of Acting Administrator.
Implications for stormwater and flood response professionals:
Disruptions at FEMA’s leadership level may affect coordination of federal support for major storm events and flood recovery efforts.
With leadership turnover and organizational review underway, municipalities and stormwater managers should prepare for possible changes in funding timelines or program priorities.
Agencies relying on federal disaster‐relief frameworks should review their own resilience, response plans and stormwater‐management capabilities in anticipation of shifting federal support dynamics.
As stormwater practitioners continue to navigate rising flood risks, clarity and continuity in disaster response agencies remain critical. Monitoring FEMA’s restructuring and upcoming policy directives will be important for aligning local stormwater programs with federal support mechanisms.
Alex Cossin is the associate editor for Waterworld Magazine, Wastewater Digest and Stormwater Solutions, which compose the Endeavor Business Media Water Group. Cossin graduated from Kent State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. Cossin can be reached at [email protected].
