David A. Trissell

Chief Counsel

Photo of David A. Trissell

David A. Trissell was appointed Chief Counsel of FEMA in October 2004. As Chief Counsel, he is responsible for directing and executing all legal activities within FEMA including serving as principal legal advisor to FEMA leadership, directing the legal support for FEMA's disaster services and programs and supervising all litigation and the representation of FEMA interests before courts and administrative bodies. Mr. Trissell began working at FEMA in 1995.

Mr. Trissell also served in the Office of Management and Budget's Transition and Planning Office to plan for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security beginning in 2002. In this transition group he developed policy and recommendations on how to coordinate and merge various departments and agencies into the Department. FEMA joined the Department on March 1, 2003.

Mr. Trissell earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and J.D. degrees from the University of Oklahoma. He is a member of the Oklahoma and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims bars. A native of Cherokee, Okla., Mr. Trissell now lives with his wife Teresa and their three children in Virginia.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 25-Sep-2007 17:00:55 EDT