Victoria Barton has stepped into a new senior leadership position at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, becoming Associate Administrator for the Office of External Affairs. She announced the move this week, marking her return to FEMA at a time when the agency is preparing for significant reviews and reforms in disaster management.
In her new role, Barton oversees FEMA’s congressional affairs, intergovernmental engagement, and public affairs functions. The office plays a central role in how FEMA coordinates with Congress, governors, state and local officials, and the public before, during, and after disasters. Early in the transition, Barton has already begun meetings on Capitol Hill and is engaging with the FEMA Review Council as it prepares to release its final report for public comment.
Barton brings more than eight years of experience spanning emergency management, disaster recovery, housing, infrastructure, and legislative affairs. Immediately prior to joining FEMA, she served as Counselor to the Secretary of Homeland Security, advising on FEMA policy, Stafford Act authorities, grants modernization, and major recovery and mitigation programs.
Earlier in her career, Barton held multiple positions within the Department of Defense, including Director of Strategic Communications in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense and roles supporting legislative and congressional engagement tied to the National Defense Authorization Act. Her background also includes senior leadership roles at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, where she was Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary during an especially active hurricane season. That portfolio included long-term recovery and resilience efforts across states and territories such as Texas, Puerto Rico, Louisiana, and California.
In the private sector, she worked with IEM, supporting national disaster recovery operations, helping launch a statewide Homeowner Assistance Fund program, and managing significant recovery-related funding and training initiatives.
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