October 3, 2025

Matt Z. Ruszczak Joins Texas Division of Emergency Management

News Summary

Matt Z. Ruszczak has been appointed to the External Affairs team at the Texas Division of Emergency Management. His experience in the Texas House of Representatives positions him well for this role, particularly as Texas deals with the aftermath of severe flooding. Ruszczak is committed to enhancing public safety and will be involved in key initiatives, including the Texas Emergency Management Conference. His childhood fascination with emergency vehicles has shaped his career path, making this role a natural fit for him as he aims to support community safety.

Texas – Matt Z. Ruszczak has officially joined the External Affairs team at the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), marking a significant milestone in his career within Texas public service. His recent transition to TDEM was announced on social media, where he expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, describing it as “a genuine privilege.” This career shift comes during a critical period as the state is currently responding to the aftermath of severe floods that impacted various communities in July.

Starting his new position amidst active emergency response efforts presents a steep learning curve, but Ruszczak has shared profound respect for the TDEM personnel who dedicate themselves to serving Texans around the clock, 365 days a year. His transition to TDEM is not only aligned with his personal ambitions but also connects to his previous experience in the Texas House, where he collaborated extensively with government relations teams from various state agencies.

In his role at TDEM, Ruszczak anticipates gaining valuable insights into the legislative process. He is particularly keen on integrating the newly implemented measures from the recent 89th Texas Legislature into the framework of emergency management, enhancing the effectiveness of the agency’s response strategies.

Reflecting on his career path, Ruszczak noted that it blends personal interests in emergency preparedness, inspired by a childhood curiosity about emergency vehicles and previous work experience in business continuity planning. His aims at TDEM align with a long-standing commitment to public service and community resilience.

Ruszczak’s induction into TDEM aligns with the agency’s preparations for the upcoming Texas Emergency Management Conference, one of the largest preparedness events in the nation, which will take place in Fort Worth. This conference is designed to enhance disaster response and recovery efforts, featuring over 200 workshops and training sessions that serve professionals in local, state, federal, and international emergency management arenas. TDEM officials have emphasized that opportunities for networking and collaboration during this event will significantly bolster support for populations affected by disasters.

As the state enters the hurricane season, urgency in legislative matters has heightened. Currently, lawmakers are advocating for House Bill 3595, which mandates assisted living facilities to establish comprehensive emergency preparedness plans. Elements of this bill include the designation of refuge areas, the implementation of backup power systems, and clear evacuation procedures—critical components necessary for safeguarding vulnerable populations during emergencies.

TDEM Chief Nim Kidd has previously addressed concerns regarding flood predictions and the agency’s response efforts. After the devastating floods that resulted in the deaths of 135 Texans, he noted the challenge TDEM faced in obtaining specific information to anticipate the disaster’s severity. This scenario underscores the importance of effective emergency management and preparedness in mitigating future risks.

Ruszczak’s appointment to TDEM represents not only a personal career development but also a revitalization of public service as Texas strengthens its capacity to address urgent emergency response needs. As he embarks on this new journey, he aims to make a lasting impact by integrating the lessons learned from the legislative process with practical emergency management strategies, ensuring that the state’s readiness for imminent threats remains a top priority.

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Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

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