Eric Kretz

Eric Kretz has served as the Director for FEMA’s National Continuity Programs Directorate, Continuity of Operations Division since November 2010, where he is responsible for lead agency integrated Continuity of Operations for U.S. Federal, state, local, and tribal governments. Kretz manages integrated planning guidance, training, exercises, assessments, and operational support to help ensure that Federal, state, territorial, tribal, and local governments can continue their essential functions, under all conditions. Prior to assuming responsibility as the Division Director, Kretz served in various management positions within the National Continuity Programs Directorate since 2002.

Kretz served in FEMA’s recovery operations from 1998 to 2002. He held various management positions in providing federal individual disaster assistance, individual family grant disaster relief in coordination with state governments, cooperative disaster relief with the American Red Cross, and cooperative relief with international organizations for Kosovo operations in 1999.

Kretz began his government service in the U.S. Coast Guard. He is a graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy and also studied as an exchange student at the United States Military Academy at West Point. His active duty service included six years aboard Coast Guard Cutters and three years on the staff of the First Coast Guard District Commander. Kretz served as the Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Red Oak from 1991 to 1993. He also served as an Aide to the First Coast Guard District Commander as well as on his operations staff.

Kretz left active duty Coast Guard service in 1993 and entered the manufacturing industry. From 1993 to 1998 he held several management positions in plastic container manufacturing including responsibility for the production of over $60 million in annual sales.

Kretz holds a Masters of Business Administration Degree from James Madison University. He is a Master Continuity Practitioner, Continuity Excellence Series Level 2. He remains active in the Coast Guard Reserve. He and his family currently reside in central Maryland where he is active in several volunteer organizations in his community.