NEW YORK, February 29, 2024 — New York City has a new leader at the helm of its emergency management agency. Christina Farrell is now serving as Acting Commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management Department (NYCEM), stepping into the role following the departure of Commissioner Zach Iscol on Tuesday.
Seasoned Pro Takes the Reins at NYC Emergency Management
Farrell brings over two decades of experience navigating the city through crises, from blackouts to the pandemic.
- Christina Farrell has more than 23 years of experience with NYC Emergency Management.
- She previously served as First Deputy Commissioner since October 2021.
- Farrell has coordinated responses to major events including Hurricane Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Her focus includes employee wellness and securing vital funding for the agency.
Farrell isn’t new to the challenges facing the city; she’s been a key player in New York’s emergency response system for over two decades. Her appointment provides a sense of continuity as the city prepares for potential future disruptions. She had been serving as First Deputy Commissioner since October 2021, where she oversaw the day-to-day operations of the agency.
A Career Forged in Crisis
As First Deputy Commissioner, Farrell advised the commissioner, other agency heads, City Hall executives, and partners at the regional, state, and federal levels on all matters of emergency management. She also prioritized the well-being of the agency’s 250+ staff members, focusing on engagement, wellness, and retention while guiding the city’s preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
Throughout her career, Farrell has been at the forefront of coordinating or supporting emergency operations during some of New York City’s most challenging moments. These include the 2003 citywide blackout, Hurricane Sandy, major blizzards, the COVID-19 pandemic, power outages, transportation disruptions, extreme heat events, steam pipe explosions, building collapses, and significant fires.
From Grants to Public Outreach
Farrell initially joined NYCEM in 2003 as the department’s first director of grants. In this role, she established and managed the agency’s grant process, identifying funding opportunities from federal, state, and private sources and ensuring compliance. She also represented the agency on the NYC Homeland Security Funding Task Force, which allocates over $200 million annually in homeland security funds.
She later spearheaded the creation of the department’s external affairs division, first as assistant commissioner and then as deputy commissioner. In this capacity, she managed communications, legislative affairs, and intergovernmental coordination. She oversaw the Ready NY public preparedness campaign and the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) program, which boasts 50 teams and over 1,200 active volunteers. She also managed an $8.5 million budget and cultivated partnerships with elected officials, community organizations, and private-sector stakeholders.
Early Career and Education
Prior to her work at NYCEM, Farrell served in the Mayor’s Office of Grants Administration, contributing to collaborative federal and foundation grants for over 50 city agencies and playing a role in the creation of the Twin Towers Fund following the events of 9/11. Earlier positions included deputy director of the NYC High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and roles in criminal justice and legislative offices.
Farrell holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and economics from Colgate University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also a graduate of the executive leaders program at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
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