Brock Long, FEMA administrator, is now at the helm, and this will be his first real test. While there have been other smaller declared disasters since he assumed the mantle of leadership, all eyes will be on him and FEMA as this major storm impacts the continental United States. Hurricanes put responders under the microscope. Everyone will be watching to see, with the departure of Craig Fugate, if anything has changed.
I've always said, "It is better to take over a failing organization than one that has a wonderful reputation." If it is failing, there is only one way to go — up. Taking over the "successful" agency can be another matter. There may have been unknown glitches in the system that have gone undetected that then get exposed under your tenure. One of those to watch for is the size of Harvey and if FEMA will have enough "experienced" disaster reservists to assist with the recovery efforts.
