Open Application Period - Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship

The application period for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Disaster and Emergency Management University (NDEMU) Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship is open through October 15, 2026.

The Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship is designed for the nation’s most experienced crisis leaders to explore conceptual frameworks and real-world experiences, focusing on current and emerging national challenges. Through collaboration and shared expertise, Fellows build meaningful networks, learning from partners outside the traditional emergency management sphere, and work to build creative solutions to help advance the profession. Through a series of focused discussions with top experts and peers, participants will engage in seminars, site visits with crisis leadership experts, and roundtable sessions to discuss and debate the challenges we share as crisis leaders to improve personal and collective preparedness.

Who Should Apply

The Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship is designed for senior executives and proven crisis leaders with more than 15 years of crisis leadership or emergency management experience from government, academia, non-governmental, philanthropic, and the private sector. Ideal candidates are executive level leaders responsible for operational and strategic decision-making in crisis OR individuals with experience leading organizations through complex crisis events.

2027 Program Schedule

Week one will be held at a rotating, offsite location to allow each cohort a unique opportunity to meet with experts across the country and discuss disruptive threats and unique challenges of the major cities and localities visited.

Week two is hosted in Washington, D.C. and typically includes visits with the White House National Security Council, Congressional staff and elected officials, and Department of Homeland Security and FEMA leadership, among others.

Tuition and Travel Reimbursement

There is no tuition for the Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship.

Individuals participating who represent state, local, or tribal governments, recognized volunteer organizations, or active emergency management organizations may be eligible for up to 50% travel reimbursement including airfare, hotel, meal per diem. FEMA cannot reimburse federal interagency or private sector partners, representatives of a foreign organization, or contract employees.

Vanguard Application and Selection Process

Applicants who wish to apply for the CY 2027 Vanguard cohorts should submit their application by October 15, 2026. For details on how to apply please visit: https://training.fema.gov/programs/vanguard/.

A formal selection board will convene to review the application packages; selectees will be notified by November 30, 2026.