Director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management Craig Fugate has been chosen by President Barack Obama to head FEMA according to a statement released by the White House on March 4, 2009. Fugate became the director of Florida's program under Governor Jeb Bush and was kept as director by Charlie Crist.FOXNews.com: Obama Taps Florida's Fugate for FEMA Director (March 4, 2009)
On May 12, 2009, Fugate was confirmed as FEMA chief, after David Vitter (R-La) agreed to stop blocking the vote. Vitter hoped to force FEMA to provide answers to lingering Hurricane Katrina questions.Salon: FEMA chief confirmed after senator lifts hold (May 12, 2009)
FEMA
In a White House statement released on March 4, 2009, President Barack Obama said that Fugate's experience and strong leadership proves that he "has what it takes to help us improve our preparedness, response and recovery efforts." Obama also said that he's confident Fugate is the right person for the position and said said he will "ensure that the failures of the past are never repeated."Reuters: Obama Names Fl. Emergency...(march 4, 2009)
His confirmation was delayed by Louisiana Republican Senator David Vitter, who hoped to force FEMA to resolve lingering problems left by the Katrina clean-up. As hurricane season approached, however, Vitter was criticized by both Democrats and Republicans, and he permitted the vote putting Fugate in office, on May 12, 2009.Salon: FEMA chief confirmed after senator lifts hold (May 12, 2009)
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Fast Facts
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Grew up in Alachua County, Florida
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Spouse
Sheree Fugate
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Named as director of FEMA on March 4, 2009
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Education
Santa Fe Community CollegeLinkedIn: Craig Fugate
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Was the emergency manager for Alachua County, Florida from 1987 to 1997LinkedIn: Craig Fugate
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Became the director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management in 2001
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Was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush
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Was appointed as the Chief of the Bureau of Preparedness and Response for Florida's Division of Emergency Management in 1997Florida Division of Emergency Management: Craig Fugate
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Re-appointed as director by Governor Christ in 2006Florida Division of Emergency Management: Craig Fugate
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Fugate was the Coordinating Officer in 23 state emergencies, 11 of them were declared disasters by the presidentFlorida Division of Emergency Management: Craig Fugate
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Under Fugati, the state of Florida received 4.5 billion in federal emergency assistanceFlorida Division of Emergency Management: Craig Fugate
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In 2003 Florida's emergency management program became the first state to receive total accreditation form the Emergency Management Accreditation Program under Fugate's leadershipFlorida Division of Emergency Management: Craig Fugate
