As federal roles shift and more emergency management responsibilities are placed on state and local governments, communities nationwide are rethinking how they prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Amid this evolving landscape, collaboration between public and private partners and the development of holistically resilient communities are proving more vital than ever.
In a recent interview with Local Relief LIVE, former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator and Hagerty’s Executive Chairman, Brock Long, shared his perspective on building community resilience and the future of disaster recovery. Drawing on decades of experience, he discussed the challenges facing today’s emergency management systems and the pivotal role local communities play in recovery.
“The future of emergency management will belong to states and communities willing to lead, not wait.”
Strengthening Communities for the Future
Long emphasized that building resilience requires both systemic reform at the federal level and strong local leadership on the ground. He called for a more holistic approach to FEMA reform—one that prioritizes insurance, practical education, and sustained investment in preparedness.
Throughout the conversation, one message stood out: training and proactive planning can significantly reduce the burden communities face during and after disasters.
“When you’re leading through crisis, it’s not just about responding to what’s broken today—it’s about building the capacity, so you don’t break tomorrow.”
Watch the Full Conversation
Hear Brock Long’s full insights on FEMA’s mission, the essential role of insurance, and how grassroots resilience can strengthen the nation’s disaster recovery system.
Brock Long is the Executive Chairman of Hagerty Consulting and the former FEMA Administrator. During his tenure at FEMA, he led responses to major disasters and implemented pivotal initiatives to strengthen emergency management systems. Previously, Brock served as Director of Alabama’s Emergency Management Agency, where he played a key role in responding to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. With over 25 years of experience, Brock now enhances Hagerty’s leadership and advocacy efforts, advancing the future of emergency management.