WASHINGTON – The acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), David Richardson, has left his position after only six months, according to the Department of Homeland Security. This change comes during a period of other staff departures and policy shifts at the agency.
Richardson, a former Marine officer with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, took over from Cameron Hamilton. The Department of Homeland Security thanked Richardson for his service as he returns to the private sector, but did not state the reason for his departure.
During his time at FEMA, Richardson supported the goal of shifting more disaster recovery duties to the states. He also spoke about removing obstacles to this goal. Some questioned Richardson’s leadership, particularly regarding his response to deadly floods in Texas. He explained that he remained in Washington to handle bureaucratic matters but was also initially managing the response from his truck while camping with his sons during the July 4th holiday.
