Chris Smith

Chris Smith serves as the Director of the Individual Assistance Division in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Office of Response and Recovery.  In his role as Director, Mr. Smith is responsible for oversight of more than 1,200 full time staff who provide support to individuals and families during disasters through both fixed and field-based service centers. Since joining FEMA in 2015, Mr. Smith leads the division in helping people before, during, and after disasters.
 
Mr. Smith is a dynamic, solutions-centered emergency manager with a foundation in state and local emergency management and proven success leading people and implementing strategic change.  Prior to FEMA, he served as Chief of Emergency Management for the State of Nevada and Homeland Security Advisor to the Governor, Emergency Management Director for the Washoe County School District, a K-12 principal, a US History teacher, and a law enforcement officer.