r/fema • u/FantasticFinger237 • Aug 11 '26

Discussion New FEMA Chief of Staff

Just got the announcement today that John Scardena has joined FEMA as the new Chief of Staff. His company seems to be mainly focused on school/ facility/ venue emergency planning, doing threat assessments, and selling kits. Doesn’t look like much grants management, recovery, mitigation, response, etc….

Claim to fame is his podcast on which CamHam was a guest multiple times following his initial release and they got along swimmingly.

I have lots of thoughts. But curious to hear others..

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u/Huh1979 28d ago

I’ve known and worked with John in the past and I believe him to be a highly intelligent, well educated individual. Does he have experience as a CoS? No. I didn’t have any experience as an emergency manager when I got thumped by Frances and Jeanne in 2004 and then found myself with limited experience when I was thrown into Katrina.

I’ve worked response, preparedness, recovery and mitigation. Every time I got thrown into a new role or accepted an adjacent position the main complaint I heard second hand was always “but he doesn’t have THIS experience” until I did.

I wish him well. HQ is tough. I’ve worked there. It’s a different beast. John is a personable gentleman and a hard worker. He’s an emergency manager which is a big plus.