Stephen M. De Blasio Sr., who has served as the VITEMA’s deputy director of logistics since 2020, has been appointed to the agency’s executive team as assistant director, the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency announced Tuesday.
De Blasio has served in many senior-level positions throughout his career, including deputy program manager for the Disaster Management and Support Environment program for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He served as acting team leader of the National Incident Management Assistance Team-East, a position he was assigned to from March 2009 through January 2010. Additionally, in the capacity of a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO), he serves as the personal representative of the president, the secretary of Homeland Security, and the FEMA administrator during major disasters and emergency declarations. De Blasio joined the ranks of the FCO Cadre in April of 2007. He has served on both Regional and National Emergency Response teams and filled numerous positions in the field during times of presidentially declared disasters, according to the press release.
As the assistant director, DeBlasio will support the strategic initiatives and the overall development and planning of the agency. DeBlasio is tasked with coordinating activities for the local government and will provide guidance and advice in developing emergency management plans and programs, the press release stated.
According to VITEMA Director Daryl D. Jaschen, “Steve brings a tremendous amount of experience working with senior leaders during disaster preparation and response. This promotion from within the VITEMA family is based on his demonstrated teamwork and desire to serve our community in an ever-greater capacity. With his experience and certification as an Emergency Manager with the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), I know he will encourage our younger VITEMA staff to pursue their own certifications.”
