Patrick Twiss Named Preparedness Coordinator For FEMA Region III 

Release Date: February 6, 2008
Release Number: R3-08-020

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Patrick Twiss has been appointed Federal Preparedness Coordinator (FPC) for Region III in Philadelphia for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"Patrick brings a wide range of expertise and skills to the FPC position. His knowledge and real-world experience make him the ideal person to lead our preparedness efforts," said Jonathan Sarubbi, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region III.

Twiss has worked for FEMA since 2003, previously as an Emergency Analyst in the Office of the Regional Administrator and as an Emergency Program Specialist in the National Preparedness Division. Prior to joining FEMA, Twiss was the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency's Terrorism Program Coordinator. He also served on the Governor's Joint Terrorism Task Force and the U.S. Department of Justice Anti-Terrorism Task Force. Twiss served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 24 years in a variety of roles including emergency response, preparedness and coordinating response operations with federal, state and local agencies, retiring with the rank of Commander.

FPCs are an important part of FEMA's vision to strengthen regional offices. As FPC, Twiss will work to enhance regional preparedness capabilities and increase planning, assessment, analysis, training and exercise efforts. He will be responsible for strengthening, integrating and institutionalizing the region's preparedness efforts to prevent, protect against and recover from threatened or actual disasters. Twiss will provide guidance, strategic counseling and assistance on building regional preparedness capabilities across multiple levels of government, critical infrastructure sectors and citizen groups.

Through the FPCs, FEMA will continue to enhance its vital role in information sharing and relationship building. These positions will help achieve all-hazards preparedness goals and strengthen links between federal, tribal, state and local governments, the private sector and our citizen partners across the country.

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.

Last Modified: Friday, 08-Feb-2008 16:16:10