Stewart named new Charleston emergency manager

The Charleston Fire Department announced Jon Stewart has been named as emergency manager. Stewart will oversee the Emergency Management  Division within the Fire Marshal’s Office and lead citywide emergency preparedness efforts, effective Aug. 31.

The Emergency Management Division serves as a critical pillar for the city, charged with protecting lives, preventing injuries, and mitigating damage to property and the environment during natural disasters, major municipal incidents, and large-scale emergency activations.

"Charleston faces unique environmental and infrastructure risks, from coastal storms to rapid urban growth," said Mayor William Cogswell in a press release. "This appointment strengthens our city's ability to protect our neighborhoods, preserve our history, and keep our citizens safe when every second counts."

In the release, Fire Chief Dan Curia said, "Emergency management isn't just about responding when alarms sound – it's about building the operational backbone before the crisis hits. Bringing in a leader with decades of  national and municipal experience ensures our community is prepared for whatever challenges come our way."

Stewart brings a 25-year career spanning public- and private-sector emergency management, during which he has supported more than 300 jurisdictions across 35+ states, Washington D.C., tribal nations, U.S. territories, and now to Charleston.

His most recent experience includes leading the team that supported the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Infrastructure Security Exercise Branch, where he spearheaded national readiness planning for the 2026 World Cup across U.S. host cities. Previously, as a senior associate at Dewberry Engineers, he supported federally declared disaster recovery operations and guided the City of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management toward national accreditation.

In the public sector, he served within the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency from 2015 to 2021. During his tenure as the chief of  preparedness, he managed a $3.5 million budget, expanded the Bureau from a single role into a 14-person team, and directed major operations including serving as planning section chief for Hurricane Joaquin and deputy branch director for Mass Care during D.C.’s COVID-19 response.