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The U.S. Geological Survey has named Mike Grimm as the new Associate Director for the Natural Hazards Mission Area.

Grimm most recently served as the senior career executive in the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration at the Federal Emergency Management Agency and as head of FIMA's Risk Management Directorate and Mitigation Directorate. He takes over the natural hazards’ leadership position vacated by David Applegate, who was confirmed as Director of the USGS in 2022.

"Mike brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this role with a strong commitment to putting our science to use in strengthening the nation's resilience to natural hazards,” said Applegate. “We are excited he’s joining our team here at the USGS."

Grimm is well known in the hazard science community, having served as a board member of the University of Colorado's Natural Hazards Center and the National Academy of Sciences Disasters Roundtable.

Grimm is also no stranger to the USGS, as his role at FEMA allowed him to collaborate on many projects. For example, he represented FEMA on both the 3D Elevation Program and Alaska Mapping interagency bodies. He also worked with the USGS Water Mission Area on floodplain mapping issues and engaged with USGS natural hazard programs on multiple fronts, including the Science for Disaster Reduction interagency working group, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, and Mitigation Framework Leadership Group.

Early in his career, Grimm spent two years with the USGS National Research Program studying paleoflood hydrology while working on his master’s degree at Colorado State University's Department of Earth Resources focused on fluvial geomorphology. In addition to his time at CSU, Grimm has a bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont in environmental studies with a minor in geology.

“The USGS is a pioneer in natural hazard research, and I look forward to continuing that excellence as we work toward helping others to avoid or reduce the loss of life, property, and financial impacts from these threats,” said Grimm.

The USGS Natural Hazards Mission Area develops and applies hazard science to help promote the Nation's safety, security, and economic well-being. By working with partners, cooperators, and customers, USGS delivers actionable assessments of natural hazards and risks and helps develop effective strategies to achieve resilient communities.

USGS provides science for a changing world. For more information, visit www.usgs.gov.