Nancy Dragani is a distinguished and dynamic executive with over three decades of experience in state and federal emergency management. As a seasoned leader, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to foster collaboration, drive strategic initiatives, and spearhead programs that enhance disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Her extensive career reflects an unwavering commitment to public service, innovation, and the well-being of communities facing crisis and uncertainty.
Dragani served as the Regional Administrator or Deputy Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 8, from 2016 to 2025. In that role, she provided strategic oversight for disaster response and resilience efforts across six states—Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming—as well as 29 federally recognized tribal nations. She led transformative initiatives that not only enhanced operational efficiency but also prioritized a “People First” approach, championing professional development, inclusion, and work-life balance. Under her leadership, FEMA Region 8 saw significant improvement in workforce morale, a testament to her ability to cultivate a high-performing and engaged workforce.
A strong advocate for innovation, Dragani successfully championed groundbreaking programs such as the Readiness and Disaster Summit (RAD-S), which evolved into an annual platform for lessons learned, process improvement, and organizational growth. She also played a pivotal role in strengthening FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant program and enhancing support for public and individual assistance programs in rural communities. Her expertise in interagency coordination supported the establishment of the Interagency Recovery Cell, a collaborative effort among federal partners to identify and address long-term recovery challenges arising from disasters and emergencies, including the financial complexities of COVID-19 relief funding.
Prior to her tenure at FEMA, Dragani dedicated 20 years to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, serving as its Executive Director from 2005 to 2014. Appointed by multiple governors, she led Ohio through some of its most challenging disasters, including the widespread 2004–2005 winter storms and flooding, Hurricane Ike’s devastating windstorm in 2008, and the 2012 derecho. She oversaw the administration of over $355 million in federal disaster recovery funds and successfully directed state-led recovery programs, reinforcing Ohio’s emergency management capabilities. Her leadership extended beyond state operations, as she held influential roles on the FEMA National Advisory Council, served as President of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), and co-chaired the National Homeland Security Consortium. She also served on the Ohio Emergency Medical Service Board and as an unpaid advisor to the Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, a non-profit organization founded in response to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The MIPT conducted research into the causes of terrorism and maintained the MIPT Terrorism Knowledge Base.
Dragani’s expertise is further underscored by her ability to drive policy change, build coalitions, and serve as a compelling public speaker. She has worked closely with academia and federal agencies to address climate change and equity challenges in the intermountain west and the Dakotas. Her strategic vision has also shaped FEMA’s approach to climate resilience and disaster preparedness on a national scale.
Recognized for her lifelong contributions to emergency management, Dragani was honored with the prestigious Lacy E. Suiter Distinguished Service Award by NEMA in 2014. She holds a Master of Arts from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School, where she also completed an Executive Leadership Program. A summa cum laude graduate of Ohio Dominican College, she has continuously demonstrated intellectual rigor, leadership acumen, and an unrelenting dedication to public safety and disaster resilience.
Through her leadership, vision, and commitment to service, Nancy Dragani has left an indelible mark on the field of emergency management, ensuring that communities and agencies are better prepared, more resilient, and equipped to navigate the ever-evolving challenges of disaster response and recovery.
Character
Nancy Dragani is a principled and resilient leader who prioritizes integrity, inclusivity, and the development of high-performing teams, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability in emergency management.
Knowledge
With over 30 years of experience in state and federal emergency management, Dragani possesses deep expertise in disaster response, recovery, mitigation, and strategic planning, ensuring effective crisis management at all levels.
Strategic
A forward-thinking executive, Dragani has driven transformative initiatives such as the Readiness and Disaster Summit and the Interagency Recovery Cell, leveraging data-driven solutions and collaborative partnerships to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience.
Communication
A skilled and compelling communicator, Dragani excels in public speaking, media engagement, and stakeholder collaboration, effectively conveying complex emergency management strategies to diverse audiences with clarity and impact.
