Nancy Dragani is a distinguished and dynamic executive with over three decades of experience in state and federal emergency management. A seasoned leader, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to foster collaboration, drive strategic initiatives, and spearhead programs that enhance disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Her extensive career reflects a commitment to public service, innovation, and the well-being and recovery of communities facing crisis and uncertainty.

Dragani served as the Regional Administrator or Deputy Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 8, from 2016 to 2025. In that role, she provided strategic oversight for federal disaster response and resilience efforts across six states—Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming—as well as 29 federally recognized tribal nations.

Prior to her tenure at FEMA, Dragani dedicated 20 years to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, serving as its Executive Director from 2005 to 2014. Appointed by multiple governors, she led Ohio through some of its most challenging disasters, including the widespread 2004–2005 winter storms and flooding, Hurricane Ike’s devastating windstorm in 2008, and the 2012 derecho. She oversaw the administration of over $355 million in federal disaster recovery funds and successfully directed state-led recovery programs, reinforcing Ohio’s emergency management capabilities.

In addition to her roles in state and federal government, Ms. Dragani has served on FEMA’s National Advisory Council and the Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism Advisory Board. She also held the position of President of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) from 2008 to 2009 and was the 2014 recipient of NEMA’s Lacy E. Suiter Distinguished Service Award, an award given annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to emergency management.

In 2004, Ms. Dragani retired from the Ohio National Guard with 22 years of combined U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard service.

Ms. Dragani has a Master of Arts degree from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Dominican College where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.