Schumer asks FEMA to appoint Staten Islander Daniel Zarrilli to National Advisory Council

Staten Islander Daniel Zarrilli is in the mix for a seat on FEMA's National Advisory Council (Staten Island Advance)

By Judy L. Randall 
on April 02, 2014

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  -- A Staten Islander leading the city's post-Sandy Office of Recovery and Resiliency should be appointed by FEMA to serve on the National Advisory Council, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer urged Wednesday.

Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he supports New Dorp resident Daniel Zarrilli's "request to serve on NAC."

The NAC advises the Federal Emergency Management Administration on all aspects of emergency management.

It was first established by the enactment of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006.

"Daniel Zarrilli embodies the qualities of what a National Advisory Council member should hold," said Schumer. "Not only does Mr. Zarrilli have the leadership and experience needed to understand resiliency, he is a Staten Islander and understands the personal effects that natural disasters have on communities."

Borough President James Oddo also weighed in, saying, "his unique expertise on Superstorm Sandy as a Staten Islander, seeing the impact on the community firsthand, will bring an important perspective and voice that is much needed on the council."

Currently the director of the New York City Office of Recovery and Resiliency, he is acting director of the Mayor's Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability and worked as senior policy advisor for coastal projection for the mayor's office. He also provided technical expertise for PlaNYC: A Stronger, More Resilient New York. 

In a statement, Zarrilli said: "Hurricane Sandy highlighted New York City's vulnerabilities to coastal storms and a changing climate. Mayor de Blasio has made the city's recovery and resiliency efforts a high priority, and because FEMA plays such a fundamental role in our ability to prepare for and respond to disasters, it is clear that New York City needs to have representation on the National Advisory Council. Sen. Schumer has been a leader in the response to Sandy, and I'm thrilled to have his support to serve New York City in this capacity and to ensure that our lessons learned can be applied nationally."

NCA consists of 35 members who serve three-year terms.

In a letter to FEMA administrator W. Craig Fugate, Schumer said Zarrilli "would be an asset" to the NAC and said his presence would "further the resiliency and sustainability of New York City."