Joel Doolin joined the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 2015 as its number two attorney. In that role, he oversaw legal support during the 2017 and 2018 hurricane seasons and rebuilt the Agency’s suspension and debarment program. Reassigned to direct FEMA’s strategic priorities, he spearheaded implementation of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, developed a “Neighbors & Partners” framework for international engagements, and oversaw FEMA’s “Pub 1” for the Agency’s 40th anniversary. During the response to COVID-19, he led interagency coordination of Defense Production Act requests for implementation authority from the White House Task Force. On October 1, 2020, he was asked to establish an office for national assessment and integration. In that capacity he implemented a phased implementation plan for the National Qualification System, and led efforts to improve grants effectiveness, create logic models and streamline emergency management doctrine. From September 2023, through April 2024, he deployed to San Diego for service as a federal prosecutor, augmenting interagency efforts to counter illegal smuggling of people and narcotics across the US Southwest Border. He began his current role in September 2024.
Prior to his selection to the Senior Executive Service, Mr. Doolin was a career naval officer. He qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer before joining the Judge Advocate General Corps. He spent one-third of his career either at sea or overseas.
Mr. Doolin earned a juris doctorate from The Catholic University of America, where he won two appellate advocacy competitions. He has a master’s degree in National Security Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, graduating with distinction and winning two research essay contests. He is the author of “The Proliferation Security Initiative: Cornerstone of a New International Norm,” Naval War College Review, (Spring, 2006) and created FEMA’s mission statement, “Helping People Before, During and After Disasters.”