Josh Bornstein
Chief Security Officer, Office of the Chief Security Officer, FEMA
Josh Bornstein has worked hard leading efforts to evolve FEMA’s Office of the Chief Security Officer into a “destination workplace.”
“While I have the privilege of serving as the CSO, protecting FEMA is a team sport,” he said. “OCSO is comprised of world-class leaders and security, anti-fraud, counterintelligence and administrative professionals. Over the last few months, we have enhanced employee engagement efforts to ensure FEMA OCSO is a sought-after place to work.”
To address workforce concerns and recommendations, an employee advisory council was established. This council facilitates direct communication between employees and leadership, leading to initiatives that boost team camaraderie and morale. These efforts include more frequent updates from senior management, regular lunches with leadership and a revamped awards program tailored to meaningfully recognize employees’ efforts.
“Listening to the staff who perform the work every day, both in the office and through time on the road, keeps me informed to make the best decisions for our organization and FEMA,” Bornstein said. “Under my leadership, we’ve initiated the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging Working Group. I am proud to serve as the executive champion of this group and am thrilled that it is led by frontline staff. Our group generates lasting actions enhancing a sense of belonging for all employees. I am so fortunate to work in a place that supports this work.”
Why Watch
In 2024, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell declared it the Year of Resilience. In response, Bornstein is enhancing the resilience of the workforce by equipping it with versatile skills needed for diverse security tasks across various environments. From the Washington, D.C., headquarters to temporary disaster sites nationwide, FEMA’s security professionals support the agency’s mission to assist people before, during and after disasters. A resilient workforce is crucial to fulfilling this mission effectively.
FEMA Deputy Associate Administrator for Mission Support Tami Franklin said Bornstein manages emerging and existing threats with tenacity and ingenuity.
“Under Josh’s steadfast leadership, FEMA is exceeding the Office of the Director of National Intelligence personnel security standards,” she said. “He is in tune with FEMA’s mission and uses his security program to enable mission success. Josh proactively works with internal and external partners with a focus on problem solving and improvement. He is mindful of security and employee safety during both steady state and disaster operations. While security mandates can sometimes seem like hindrances, Josh leverages technology to improve the customer experience. Josh is an impactful, dynamic and engaged leader.”
Fun fact: Bornstein spent every summer of his childhood going to camp in the Catskill Mountains where his grandparents worked.