Disaster Operations Division Director Announced For Pacific NW

Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Administrator Susan Reinertson has announced the appointment of Lon Biasco as the new Disaster Operations Division Director for FEMA Region X, a jurisdiction which includes the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.  According to Reinertson, the new position supports field elements in directing the delivery of federal assistance supporting state and local response and recovery efforts. "The Disaster Operations Division is an integral part of FEMA's vision to further strengthen regional offices," said Reinertson.  "It's a big job, and integrates our federal partners within their respective Emergency Support Functions, Department of Defense and FEMA staff, including recovery programs. Lon will also direct our Regional Response Coordination Center, and coordinate field response efforts during disasters until a Federal Coordinating Officer assumes operational control at a Joint Field Office."

Biasco worked for FEMA Region X in the National Preparedness Division as Program Coordination Branch Chief in 2004.  His return to FEMA brings back over 15 years of experience directing and supporting response operations and preparedness activities ranging from serving as a Federal On-Scene Coordinator with the Environmental Protection Agency and Senior Watch Officer at the National Operations Center in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to Kansas District Protective Security Advisor for DHS.  He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Science in Management from the University of Texas at Dallas, and resides in Bothell, Washington with his wife Tamra and daughter Tabitha.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.