Former FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor Joins Bright Harbor Amidst Escalating Disaster Crisis

Pete Gaynor, former Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has joined Bright Harbor, a disaster recovery company, as President. The announcement comes as the United States faces a surge in natural disasters, with recent generational flooding impacting communities in North Carolina and Texas. FEMA is currently managing 69 active major disaster declarations, underscoring a growing challenge in national resiliency.

Bright Harbor specializes in assisting disaster survivors through the complex recovery process, providing guidance on insurance claims, government programs, private grants, and vendor sourcing for rebuilding efforts. The company aims to transform traditional disaster recovery by offering comprehensive support to individuals, families, and local leaders.

Gaynor's appointment is seen as a strategic move to bolster Bright Harbor's capabilities. "We’re thrilled to welcome Pete Gaynor, former Administrator of FEMA, to @BrightHarborCo," stated Joel Wish, CEO of Bright Harbor, in a recent social media post. Wish emphasized the critical timing of Gaynor's arrival, noting that "the stakes couldn’t be higher."

Gaynor brings extensive experience to his new role, having led FEMA's response to over 300 presidentially declared emergencies and major disasters during his tenure. This included overseeing the agency's first operational response to a nationwide pandemic, COVID-19, and managing the most active Atlantic hurricane season on record in 2020. He also served briefly as Acting Secretary of Homeland Security.

The company highlighted the increasing strain on existing systems due to "a rise in climate disasters, a retreat in insurance availability, and shifting public sector support structures." Bright Harbor believes this period "demands new thinking, bold investment, and resilient technology to help communities not only recover but prepare." Gaynor's decades of experience in emergency management are expected to be critical in developing solutions that support those on the front lines of disaster.