Margarita Varela Rosa assumed her role at FEMA as the Director of Congressional Affairs in 2023. Appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration, she oversees FEMA’s legislative activities and engagement with Congress.
Ms. Varela Rosa brings with her a wealth of experience from her prior roles. She was instrumental as the Deputy Chief Counsel at the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources, where she propelled significant legislation focused on the climate crisis, conservation of natural resources, environmental justice, and the needs of Indigenous Peoples and residents of U.S. Territories. Her career track also includes impactful contributions as an Operations Research Analyst at the Department of Homeland Security Headquarters and as an Interagency Agreements Manager at the Department of the Navy.
Ms. Varela Rosa holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, a Master of Engineering Management from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, and a Juris Doctor from the University of the District of Columbia. She currently lives in Maryland with her family.