AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was appointed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council by President Donald Trump on Monday. The bipartisan group’s focus will be on “reforming and streamlining the nation’s emergency management and disaster response system,” according to a release from the governor’s office.

Alongside Abbott joining the FEMA Review Council is current Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd.

The review council was initially created in January by Trump to advise him “on the existing ability of FEMA to capably and impartially address disasters occurring within the United States." The council will also be tasked with making recommendations for changes to FEMA, according to the Department of Homeland Security. 

Abbott, who resides over a state directly affected by natural disasters and relies on FEMA’s response, expressed the importance of the council in a release.

“As Governor of Texas, I have seen firsthand the critical role emergency management plays to protect Texans and our communities when disaster strikes,” said Abbott. “That is why Texas built the strongest emergency management operation in the nation, rooted in swift action, local control, and strong partnerships. This Council will ensure FEMA becomes more responsive, efficient, and supportive of state-led disaster efforts across the nation.”

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem were also appointed to the council, along with several others.

Created in 1979 by then-President Jimmy Carter, FEMA has worked to assist in national emergencies and disaster responses across the U.S.

Appointed Members:

  • Co-Chair: Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem

  • Co-Chair: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth

  • Texas Gov. Greg Abbott

  • Former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant

  • Tampa, Florida, Mayor Jane Castor

  • Mark Cooper, the former chief of staff to Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards

  • Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz

  • Chubb Limited CEO Evan Greenberg

  • Kevin Guthrie, executive director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management

  • W. Nim Kidd, chief of Texas Division of Emergency Management

  • RNC Chairman Michael Whatley

  • Commonwealth of Virgina Gov. Glenn Youngkin

  • Robert J. Fenton, Jr., Region 9 administrator and two-time acting administrator at FEMA