Justin Ángel Knighten
Associate Administrator, Office of External Affairs - FEMA
Justin is a crisis and risk communications expert, strategist, storyteller and advocate for equity, human rights, and solutions to address the climate crisis. With a career based on cross-sector and issue area experience, Justin is driven by navigating complex challenges through establishing innovative partnerships, leading teams, and leveraging cutting-edge communications trends to yield results. As a senior official in the Biden-Harris Administration, Justin leads FEMA’s Office of External Affairs which includes communications, disaster operations, public affairs, intergovernmental affairs, tribal affairs, congressional affairs, private sector engagement, as well as the Ready and Listo Campaign, the nation’s disaster preparedness public outreach and education initiative. To help advance the Administration’s climate and equity goals, Jusitn launched FEMA's national 2024 "Year of Resilience" communications campaign to spur game-changing actions that prepare our nation today to meet the threats of tomorrow. Finally, as a California native and the grandson of immigrants from Mexico, Justin brings his experience, background, and culture into his work every day.
