Thomas M. Breslin currently serves as the Deputy Associate Administrator for the Office of National Continuity Programs at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In this capacity, he guides policy and operations for the nation’s continuity efforts, utilizing more than 20 years of leadership experience in emergency management and disaster readiness. He oversees FEMA's classified continuity lines of business, ensuring that detailed concepts of operations, budget, and staffing plans. His leadership has been pivotal in promoting innovative approaches to national security planning and resilience from natural and manmade disasters.
Previously, Mr. Breslin was the White House Deputy Supply Coordinator for the COVID Response Team at the Executive Office of the President. In this role, he was instrumental in coordinating the delivery of over 500 million COVID-19 vaccines to more than 160 countries within 11 months. He worked closely with senior officials from various departments and international organizations, and over 100 countries creating and leading White House coordinating bodies for strategic and operational decision-making. His efforts led to the development of the United States Pandemic Supply Chain Resilience Strategy and the re-imagining of the Strategic National Stockpile.
Mr. Breslin also served as Deputy Director of the Individual Assistance Division at FEMA, where he provided executive leadership and direction to six divisions with more than 2,000 personnel. He oversaw the support to disaster survivors during some of the worst disasters in American history. His leadership ensured the development and implementation of policies that met national expectations for emergency management and disaster recovery.
In his earlier roles, Thomas held significant leadership positions at FEMA, including as the Agency’s Deputy Chief of Staff Senior Advisor in the Office of Response and Recovery;and Deputy Director, Planning and Exercise Division. He was a key player in the response and recovery efforts during the costliest hurricane season in U.S. history, including hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. He managed and facilitated FEMA’s preparation and coordination efforts for the 2018 hurricane season and supported Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Maria. Tom also served as Deputy Operations Section Chief for Hurricane Sandy in New York. Additionally, he directed and oversaw the deployment of teams to Ukraine, providing expert support hardening civilian infrastructure and in Turkey, assisting during the influx of refugees from the Syrian Civil War.
Before his time in FEMA Thomas served as an officer in the United States Army, earning the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge.
Thomas M. Breslin holds a Bachelor of Arts from Boston College and is a graduate of the FEMA Executive Leadership Program. He resides in Potomac, Maryland, with his wife, Dr. Rachel Breslin, and the two coolest children on the planet.