By FireRescue1 Staff
As a new administration prepares to move into the White House, a cascade of changes is already underway across various federal agencies. And while legislative efforts and policy priorities are still coming into focus for the second Trump administration, the leadership shakeups have started and will continue for several months, as new agency leads are named and confirmed. The U.S. Fire Administration is one such agency currently navigating this post-presidential election transition period. Following is a quick guide to understanding the transition and the interim roles that support the USFA throughout the process.
What is the U.S. Fire Administration?
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is a federal agency under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The USFA is a critical federal agency, with a primary mission to enhance public safety and support fire and EMS across the United States; as such, it is essential to ensure continuity of operations during the transition between administrations following a presidential election. Such transition typically involves the appointment of a new U.S. fire administrator to oversee the USFA.
Who is the U.S. fire administrator?
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell. Prior to her service with the USFA, Dr. Moore-Merrell served nearly three years as the president and CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute, which she founded after retiring from a 26-year tenure as a senior executive in the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
What is the role of the fire administrator?
The fire administrator is tasked with reducing fire and life safety risks, supporting the professionalization of fire services, and ensuring the readiness of the nation’s fire and emergency medical response systems. The position is critical for advancing public safety and protecting communities across the United States.
How is the U.S. fire administrator position appointed?
The U.S. fire administrator is appointed by the president of the United States. While the position once required Senate confirmation, the 112th Congress, S. Rept. 112-180 – United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2012 removed the U.S. fire administrator from the list of positions requiring Senate confirmation.
The position typically requires someone with extensive experience in fire service, emergency management and public safety, as the administrator is responsible for providing leadership and oversight to national fire prevention and safety initiatives.
Dr. Moore-Merrell was appointed by President Joe Biden as the U.S. fire administrator on Oct. 25, 2021.
What happens to the sitting fire administrator when a new president is elected?
When a new president is elected, all appointed positions, including the fire administrator, are subject to change. Typically, the fire administrator may be asked to step down, resign or continue serving temporarily until a replacement is nominated and confirmed. This depends on the priorities of the new administration.
Dr. Moore-Merrell resigned her position as U.S. fire administrator, and her last day will be Jan. 20, 2025. Following her departure from the USFA, the deputy U.S. fire administrator will serve as interim fire administrator.
Who is the deputy U.S. fire administrator?
Fire Chief Donna Black. Chief Black is a nearly 30-year fire service veteran, serving as the fire chief for the Town of Duck, N.C. She is a past president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and champion of #FireServiceOneVoice collaboration for the National Fire Strategy.
Chief Black began her role as deputy fire administrator on Dec. 15, 2024. On Jan. 20, 2025, Black will start her service as the interim U.S. fire administrator until a new fire administrator is appointed by the president. During this time, the superintendent of the National Fire Academy will serve as the interim deputy U.S. fire administrator.
Who is superintendent of the National Fire Academy?
Eriks Gabliks. Gabliks was named to this position in November 2020. As superintendent, Gabliks provides leadership for the NFA, which focuses on enhancing the ability of fire and emergency services and allied professionals to deal more effectively with fire and other emergencies.
Gabliks will serve as interim deputy U.S. fire administrator until Chief Black returns to the role following the appointment of the new U.S. fire administrator.
When will the next U.S. fire administrator be selected?
As of now, there have been no official announcements regarding the selection of a new U.S. fire administrator. The process often takes several months to complete, from vetting to announcement and ultimately confirmation.
FireRescue1 will continue to follow news about the changes at the USFA and impacts on the fire service.
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