Former Beatrice Mayor presented with Presidential Rank Award

On Oct. 16, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell presented David Maurstad, the Assistant Administrator of the Federal Insurance Directorate, and senior executive of the National Flood Insurance Program, with the 2022 Distinguished Presidential Rank Award (PRA).

The PRA recognizes the top 1% of exemplary career federal leaders who have overseen successful federal initiatives with a sweeping impact. Maurstad was recognized for his work shepherding the transformation of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through its largest overhaul in the last 40 years, leading the successful implementation of a 21st Century pricing methodology which replaced a system plagued with longstanding inequities.

Following the implementation of Risk Rating 2.0, 23% of policyholders saw an immediate decrease in their flood insurance premiums. Maurstad also transformed Federal disaster risk reduction investments to reduce disaster suffering by leading and implementing the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities mitigation grant program.

Maurstad's family joined the ceremony via Zoom and proudly watched as the Administrator praised him for his dedication and service to America over the years.

"Advancing the mission of FEMA to build a more resilient and prepared nation continues to be an immense privilege," Maurstad said. "I'm honored to receive this award and want to recognize the hard work of my colleagues and team members who serve tirelessly alongside me."