Erik Hooks

Erik Hooks is the current Deputy Administrator at FEMA. Erik has previously served as the Secretary of Public Safety for the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and as a Special Agent in Charge for the NC State Bureau of Investigation.

Erik Hooks has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement and public safety. Erik began their career with the NC State Bureau of Investigation in 1989, where they served for over 27 years. In their role as Special Agent in Charge, they provided leadership to a newly created Threat Assessment and State Asset Investigations Unit. Erik was also responsible for the receipt and evaluation of all reported instances of theft and misuse of state property from state agencies, universities, and community colleges. In 2016, they took on the additional duties of Public Information Officer for the agency.

In 2017, Erik Hooks was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper to serve as the Secretary of Public Safety for the State of North Carolina. In this role, they provided executive leadership to the NC Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, The NC National Guard, The NC State Highway Patrol, The NC Alcohol Law Enforcement Division, the NC State Capitol Police, The Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice, the NC Office of Recovery and Resilience, the Governor’s Crime Commission, and support divisions within the Department of Public Safety. Erik also served as the Homeland Security Advisory and State Coordinating Official for any declared State of Emergency in North Carolina.

Erik Hooks has a long history of dedication to public safety and law enforcement. Erik is a proven leader with a track record of success in multiple roles. Erik currently serves as the Deputy Administrator at FEMA, where they are responsible for leading the organization in its efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Erik Hooks has a Master's degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities from North Carolina State University. Erik also has a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government from North Carolina State University. Erik is certified by the North Carolina State University in Administrative Officers Management Program and the NC Department of Justice - Criminal Justice Education and Training Commission in Advanced Law Enforcement Certification.

Erik Hooks reports to Deanne Criswell, Administrator. They work with Ted Okada - CTO, Paige Hinkle-Bowles - Chief Component Human Capital Officer, and Antwane Johnson - Director, Integrated Public Alert & Warning Systems.