Ed Klima currently serves as the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness for FIFA World Cup 2026TM where he leads emergency preparedness efforts across all 16 sites in North America. As an emergency manager specializing in special events for over 35 years, he has worked with numerous major sporting and entertainment events, including for the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Dover Motorsports, the NBA, NFL Pro Bowl, NFL Draft and NFL Super Bowl where he has been an integral part of emergency planning for over twenty years.

Mr. Klima also has over thirty years of fire service experience in career and combination departments. He has extensive experience with national first responder issues and served as the Managing Director of the First Responder Center of Excellence for Preventing Occupational Illness, Injuries and Deaths. He served on numerous NFPA Committees including 1580, 1585 and 610. He has also served as Vice Chair for the International Association of Venue Managers Academy for Venue Safety and Security.

Mr. Klima holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Delaware as well as a master’s degree in public safety management from Saint Joseph’s University.