FEMA names new director of Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Claims Office
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (KRQE) – FEMA selected a new director to lead operations at the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Claims Office in New Mexico and the Stafford Act wildfire disaster recovery operations based in Santa Fe. Jay Mitchell will be tasked with making sure those who were impacted by the fire have their claims approved and receive payment from the federal government.
Mitchell is a former director of the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. According to FEMA, he brings more than 30 years of military and civilian experience, where he has overseen teams in support of emergency management operations.
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It has been just over two years since the largest wildfire in New Mexico’s recorded history started in the northeastern part of the state. Earlier this month, FEMA officials said around 63% of claims they received had been approved for payment. Despite that, several lawsuits have been filed against FEMA suggesting the claims process is moving too slowly.
At the end of 2023, the Claims Office, which has three locations in Mora, Las Vegas, and Santa Fe, had paid 472 claims totaling $253 million. As of April 17, 2,439 claims have been paid, totaling over $500 million, according to FEMA. Since January 2024, FEMA said the Claims Office has seen a “significant increase” in claims submitted.
“The Claims Office mission remains the same: to compensate those affected by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire to the greatest extent allowed by law,” Tony Robinson, FEMA Region VI regional administrator, said in a news release. “Jay Mitchell is joining a team of dedicated public servants working to help New Mexicans recover from the wildfire through both our claims office and disaster recovery operations.”
Mitchell is expected to begin in May and will replace former director Angela Gladwell, who stepped down from the top role on Jan. 17.
