Alex Amparo, a seasoned disaster management and infrastructure resilience leader, serves as IEM’s Vice President of Critical Infrastructure. In this vital role, Alex liaises with LUMA Energy, a key player in Puerto Rico’s energy sector, to bolster IEM’s response and recovery efforts. His expertise is pivotal in strengthening Puerto Rico’s infrastructure resilience and recovery capabilities. In this capacity, he also oversees IEM’s infrastructure projects, supporting governmental and private sector partners in building security, resilience, and continuity in the infrastructure sector.

Before joining IEM, Alex had an illustrious tenure at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as Assistant Administrator for National Preparedness. In this position, he provided comprehensive guidance and support to states, territories, tribes, and localities, focusing on equity, climate resilience, and national readiness. His exceptional contributions, especially in rebuilding Puerto Rico after natural disasters, were recognized with the prestigious 2021 Presidential Rank Award.

Alex’s commitment to Puerto Rico’s recovery has been unwavering. As the Federal Disaster Recovery Coordinator for Puerto Rico from 2019 to 2020, he provided extraordinary leadership in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and the 2020 earthquakes. He was critical in strategically rebuilding and restoring Puerto Rico’s infrastructure, overseeing a monumental effort involving over 3,000 staff and contractors and managing over 7,500 projects.

Demonstrating his innovative approach, Alex was pivotal in establishing FEMA’s Consolidated Resource Center in Puerto Rico. This center, dedicated to processing public assistance projects for Hurricane Maria recovery, is a testament to his ability to mobilize resources effectively. Under his guidance, the Consolidated Resource Center significantly advanced Puerto Rico’s recovery efforts, obligating substantial funds for numerous projects.

Alex’s career at FEMA also included roles such as Acting Director of External Affairs and Assistant Administrator of Recovery, where he oversaw the disbursement of over $90 billion in federal disaster aid.

His experience as Director of Emergency Management at the Florida Commission on Community Service and his academic credentials from Florida State University and California State University further solidify his expertise. Alex’s leadership and strategic vision continue to drive forward the resilience and recovery initiatives in Puerto Rico, making him an invaluable asset to IEM and the broader emergency management community.