Top FEMA Disaster Coordinators Quit Amid Trump's Plan to Dissolve Agency

    June 13, 2025
    The head of the National Response Coordination Center, responsible for deploying FEMA's Urban Search and Rescue Teams, as well as a veteran disaster recovery leader are gone.

    Two key FEMA officials, including the head of the National Response Coordination Center, are leaving amid President Trump's plan to dissolve the agency.

    Jeremy Greenberg led the 24/7 operations center that's activated during major disasters. He was responsible for deploying FEMA's 28 Urban Search and Rescue Teams as well as coordinating various agencies and organizations that provide water, food and medical supplies, news reports indicated.

    "This will be a significant loss. He led all of FEMA's planners that prepared for all hazards," a former FEMA senior official told CBS News. "He had strong interagency relationship that fostered collaboration and coordination in responding to disasters."

    One current FEMA official told reporters: "He's irreplaceable. The brain drain continues and the public will pay for it. I don't see how FEMA will find someone who can coordinate with national, state and local emergency organizations like he did." 

    Also stepping down is FEMA Regional Coordinator Tony Robinson well-known as the 'go-to'  person during Hurricanes Harvey, Isaac, Ike, Gustav, Rita and Katrina.

    Robinson was in charge of Gulf states as well as dozens of federally-recognized tribes. His  deputy, Traci Brasher, resigned last week, reporters noted.

    The former FEMA official added: "These leaders don't want to participate in the dismantling of the agency they value. They have been dedicated to the mission over multiple administrations but won't support the current administration's direction." 

    About the Author

    Susan Nicol | News Editor

    Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues. 

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