Daniel Kaniewski

Managing Director, Public Sector, Marsh McLennan

Daniel Kaniewski is Managing Director, Public Sector, Marsh McLennan. In this role he leads enterprise-wide initiatives that deliver breakthrough perspectives and innovative solutions for public sector challenges.

Prior to joining Marsh McLennan in February 2020, Dr. Kaniewski was the second-ranking official at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As the agency’s first Deputy Administrator for Resilience, he launched and led the disaster resilience programs that are now a cornerstone of FEMA’s mission.

In addition to his FEMA role, he was Chair of the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD) High-Level Risk Forum, comprised of risk managers from the 36 OECD member nations.

Prior to FEMA, he launched the global resilience practice at a leading catastrophe risk modeling firm, directed resilience programs at a DHS research center, and co-founded a homeland security think tank.

Dr. Kaniewski was Special Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Senior Director for Response Policy in the George W. Bush Administration, where he managed over 200 Presidential disaster declarations at the White House. 

He earlier held positions at FEMA, the Congressional Fire Services Institute, and on Capitol Hill. Dan began his career in homeland security as a firefighter/paramedic.

Dr. Kaniewski has previously served as a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a member of the District of Columbia Homeland Security Commission, a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and on the adjunct faculty of the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service.

He holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from George Washington University, an M.A. in National Security Studies from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, and a B.S. magna cum laude in Emergency Medical Services from George Washington University.