Mayor Spencer Names Gregg Favre as Commissioner of CEMA
In a move to strengthen the City of St. Louis’ emergency management capabilities, Mayor Cara Spencer has appointed Gregg Favre as the new commissioner of the City Emergency Management Agency (CEMA). With over 25 years of experience in emergency services, organizational leadership, and strategic policy development, Favre brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role.
Experience in Government and Public Safety
Favre’s impressive career includes executive leadership positions in various levels of government. He has served as deputy director and chief of operations for the Missouri Department of Public Safety, where he oversaw 15,000 employees and six agencies, including the State Emergency Management Agency, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Office of Homeland Security.
In St. Louis, Favre has previously held the position of executive director of the St. Louis Area Regional Response System and served as a captain and command staff for the St. Louis Fire Department. In these roles, he was responsible for coordinating major special events and strengthening regional preparedness, interagency coordination, and disaster response.
Extensive Background in National Security
Favre’s experience also extends to the national level, as he currently serves as a U.S. Navy officer and department head. In this role, he leads interagency operations in support of critical Department of Defense and national security missions worldwide. He also has private-sector experience as a former senior strategist for enterprise risk at a Fortune 25 corporation, where he developed resilience and continuity frameworks for operations in multiple states and countries.
Education and Accolades
Favre holds dual undergraduate degrees from the University of Central Missouri and has earned master’s degrees in homeland security from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and emergency service management from The George Washington University, both with honors. He has also completed postgraduate crisis leadership training at Harvard University and has been recognized with numerous commendations for his professional achievements.
Mayor Spencer’s Praise for Favre
Mayor Spencer expressed her confidence in Favre’s abilities, stating, “A strong and well-prepared CEMA is vital for the future of St. Louis, and with Gregg Favre, our city is bringing a public servant with decades of experience at high levels of government and public safety into this important leadership position.” She also expressed her gratitude for Favre’s willingness to take on this role and lead CEMA into its next chapter. Favre is expected to begin his new position on December 22nd.
