Pete Gaynor briefing President Trump in the Oval Office with a sign from FEMA on the table, and a large display board.

Leadership When It Matters Most

Pete Gaynor has led in some of the toughest environments—Washington, D.C. during a global pandemic, combat zones as a U.S. Marine, and disaster zones across all 50 states.

Today, he helps other leaders prepare for the unthinkable with clarity, calm, and confidence.

300+ Presidential Disasters Led

Directed FEMA’s response across all 50 states and territories

COVID-19 National Response Leader

Coordinated America’s emergency strategy during the pandemic

Hurricanes, Wildfires, & Civil Unrest

Managed overlapping historic disasters during one of the most volatile periods in U.S. history

26 Years as a U.S. Marine Corps Officer

Global operational experience in high-stakes, high-pressure missions

My Mission

“Leadership in crisis doesn’t come from titles, degrees, or theory.
It comes from experience, conviction, and preparation.

That’s what I bring. And that’s what I teach.

Because when the stakes are high, you don’t need motivation.
You need a mission, a mindset, and a plan that works under pressure.”

—Pete Gaynor

Tested. Proven. Ready.

Pete Gaynor knows the pressures his audience faces—because he’s lived them.

From city-level emergency management in Providence, Rhode Island, to overseeing national security during presidential transitions, Pete’s career has centered on one thing: helping people lead when there’s no room for error.

He doesn’t teach theory. He teaches what works when:

  • You’ve got lives on the line

  • You’re making decisions with limited intel

  • You’re the one everyone’s looking at for answers

Whether you’re running point during a disaster, managing complex operations across departments, or preparing your organization for the next crisis—Pete’s experience, insight, and straight-shooting style will help you lead with clarity when everything’s on the line.

A woman is pinning a paper diagram onto a whiteboard during a crisis management meeting, with several people working at computers in the background.

Go Deeper Into Crisis Leadership? Join Now.

Pete’s helped lead America through some of its toughest moments—and now he’s sharing tools, insights, and battle-tested strategies to help you prepare for yours.

Create a free account to access:

✓ Pete’s personal leadership articles & crisis briefs

✓ Crisis leader’s reading list with actionable takeaways

✓ Podcasts & expert interviews

✓ Tools and resources to strengthen your leadership playbook

Let’s Work Together