Episode 4: Leadership, Service, and Showing Up in Crisis with Pete Gaynor

Kicking off the inaugural National Emergency Management Awareness Month (https://www.iaem.org/KnowYourEM) in this episode of Careers & Coffee Talk, I sit down with Pete Gaynor, President of Bright Harbor and former FEMA Administrator and Acting Secretary of Homeland Security. Pete’s public service career spans decades, from his early days as a U.S. Marine to leading emergency management at the local, state, and federal levels.

We trace his remarkable journey from the frontlines of crisis response in Rhode Island to the highest levels of national disaster coordination during some of the most challenging periods in recent history—including the COVID-19 pandemic, historic hurricanes, and wildfires.

Now in the private sector, Pete shares how his work helps disaster survivors navigate the often-overwhelming recovery process. Throughout our conversation, he reflects on leadership under pressure, the value of consistency and calm in chaos, and the importance of showing up for people—even when the cameras are off.

Whether you're in public service, emergency management, or simply interested in stories of purposeful leadership, this conversation offers wisdom, humility, and a few laughs along the way.

About Pete Gaynor
Pete Gaynor serves as President of Bright Harbor; a company committed to helping disaster survivors navigate the complex landscape of recovery and improve their financial and overall outcomes. He previously served as Acting Secretary of Homeland Security and Administrator of FEMA, overseeing federal responses to more than 300 major disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the most active Atlantic hurricane season on record, and historic wildfires across the West Coast.

Before his federal service, Mr. Gaynor led emergency management efforts for both the State of Rhode Island and the City of Providence. A 26-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, he held key leadership roles in crisis operations, including security at Camp David and planning Marine Corps response efforts during the global war on terror. He remains a strong advocate for disaster preparedness and recovery, serving as Chair of the Disaster Recovery Coalition of America, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Disaster Response Reform Task Force, Board Member of Team Rubicon and on multiple boards supporting disaster resilience.