FEMA Keynote Speaker

David I. Maurstad

Assistant Administrator, Federal Insurance Directorate
Senior Executive of the National Flood Insurance Program

David Maurstad is highly regarded for his transformative leadership in communicating disaster risk and preparedness, closing the insurance gap, and advancing mitigation actions against all natural hazards.

Mr. Maurstad recently has returned to familiar territory where he now heads FEMA’s restructured Federal Insurance Directorate as the Assistant Administrator and the senior executive of the NFIP.

He also serves as the accountable executive for advancing NFIP legislative reform and Enduring NFIP, FEMA’s initiative to coordinate NFIP transformation efforts across its headquarters and 10 regions.

In addition to his 14+ years of experience at FEMA, David is a former agent/broker of a family- owned property/casualty insurance agency and a former Nebraska mayor, state senator, and lieutenant governor, making him uniquely qualified to lead Federal Insurance and shepherd the NFIP through its next evolution.

Mr. Maurstad is a recipient of the Distinguished Presidential Rank Award, which recognizes the top 1% of exemplary career federal leaders who have overseen successful federal initiatives with a sweeping impact.

Keynote Speaker

Darryl Ross

Author, Speaker, Trainer

True motivational trainers with a call to action are hard to come by, and Darryl is one of the elite few. Darryl’s skills have been honed over 20 years, and he is now a highly sought-after author, speaker, and trainer. He has found his passion in motivating employees and helping organizations improve their leadership & customer service. Darryl Ross is a graduate from James Madison University and began his career in the entertainment industry. As a lead dancer, singer, and emcee, Ross was hired by the Department of Defense to perform in U.S.O. shows for the military. Ross and his troop “King’s Six”, performed in South Korea, Okinawa, and Japan. It still remains one of the greatest thrills of his life.

From there, Ross was cast in the musicals “A Chorus Line” and “Sophisticated Ladies” and performed for Royal Caribbean and Cunard Cruise Lines. Finally, he worked in the casino circuit as a featured performer in Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City, and Las Vegas. Representing entertainment in “Sin City”, Darryl was featured on the E! Entertainment network and the Travel Channel.

After leaving the stage, Darryl worked as the entertainment reporter for Fox 5 News in Las Vegas. He covered the red carpet for the Billboard Music Awards, Country Music Awards, and the MTV Video Music Awards. He also interviewed such stars as Celine Dion, Seal, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and music mogul Clive Davis.

Through it all, Darryl knew he had a burning desire to be a professional speaker & trainer. He wanted to share his faith, knowledge, and experience to motivate people to live their dreams.

For the past 15 years, Darryl Ross has provided keynotes, presentations, and trainings throughout the country….in addition, Darryl Ross’ programs are certified by the Workforce Investment Board (WIB).  In 2014, he was the Keynote Speaker for the Virginia Business Education Conference, the DCRA Management Expo, and the Loudoun Water Leadership Conference. He is also a 6-Time Century Sales Award Winner with $3.8 million in sales…in 12 months.