Full Name
Justin Knighten
Job Title
Associate Administrator
Company (Please input the full name of your organization)
FEMA
Speaking At
Speaker Bio
Justin is a nationally recognized crisis and risk communications expert, strategist, storyteller, and advocate for solutions to address the climate crisis. With a career based on cross-sector and issue area experience, Justin is driven by navigating complex challenges through establishing innovative partnerships, leading teams, and leveraging cutting-edge communications trends to yield results.
As a senior official in the Biden-Harris Administration, Justin leads FEMA’s Office of External Affairs, a nearly 200-person team with several divisions including communications, disaster operations, public affairs, intergovernmental affairs, tribal affairs, congressional affairs, private sector engagement, as well as the Ready and Listo Campaign, the nation’s all-hazard preparedness public outreach and education initiative. Additionally, the office manages a nearly 500-person cadre of external affairs reservists who are deployed year-round into communities impacted by disasters declared by the President of the United States. To implement FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell’s direction to build up stronger, safer communities, Justin launched FEMA's national 2024 "Year of Resilience" communications campaign to spur game-changing actions that prepare our nation today to meet the threats of tomorrow.
Prior to joining the Department of Homeland Security at FEMA, Justin served as co-chair of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s groundbreaking $50 million disaster preparedness campaign, called Listos California, which transformed how government engaged and prepared historically vulnerable populations. Housed within the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the campaign continues to ready Californians statewide for wildfires, earthquakes, and beyond.
In 2024, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) named Justin the national Public Relations Professional of the Year. A lifelong advocate for equity and human rights, Justin’s expertise has earned him recognition as a leading LGBTQ+ figure in national security and foreign policy. He was recognized by PRWeek as a 40 under 40 forward-thinking current and future leader of the PR industry. Finally, as a California native and the grandson of immigrants from Mexico, Justin brings his experience, background, and culture into his work to serve the nation every day.
As a senior official in the Biden-Harris Administration, Justin leads FEMA’s Office of External Affairs, a nearly 200-person team with several divisions including communications, disaster operations, public affairs, intergovernmental affairs, tribal affairs, congressional affairs, private sector engagement, as well as the Ready and Listo Campaign, the nation’s all-hazard preparedness public outreach and education initiative. Additionally, the office manages a nearly 500-person cadre of external affairs reservists who are deployed year-round into communities impacted by disasters declared by the President of the United States. To implement FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell’s direction to build up stronger, safer communities, Justin launched FEMA's national 2024 "Year of Resilience" communications campaign to spur game-changing actions that prepare our nation today to meet the threats of tomorrow.
Prior to joining the Department of Homeland Security at FEMA, Justin served as co-chair of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s groundbreaking $50 million disaster preparedness campaign, called Listos California, which transformed how government engaged and prepared historically vulnerable populations. Housed within the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the campaign continues to ready Californians statewide for wildfires, earthquakes, and beyond.
In 2024, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) named Justin the national Public Relations Professional of the Year. A lifelong advocate for equity and human rights, Justin’s expertise has earned him recognition as a leading LGBTQ+ figure in national security and foreign policy. He was recognized by PRWeek as a 40 under 40 forward-thinking current and future leader of the PR industry. Finally, as a California native and the grandson of immigrants from Mexico, Justin brings his experience, background, and culture into his work to serve the nation every day.
