• David Richardson resigns as acting head of FEMA after just six months.
• His tenure was marked by criticism over low visibility during disasters.
• Karen Evans will take over as the new FEMA chief starting in December.
• FEMA has faced major staff reductions and reviews under the Trump administration.
• This is the second leadership change at FEMA since May.

David Richardson has stepped down as the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) six months after taking the position, according to a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). His departure comes amid ongoing challenges within the agency and just as the Atlantic hurricane season is concluding, as noted in an official statement expressing appreciation for his service and wishing him success in the private sector, according to The Hill, Reuters, and BBC.

Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer, became FEMA's acting chief in May, replacing Cameron Hamilton, who was dismissed. His tenure faced scrutiny; notably, he was criticized for his low profile during catastrophic floods in Texas that resulted in over 130 fatalities in July. During this disaster, Richardson's accessibility to FEMA staff was questioned, contributing to the agency's perception of inefficiency, according to LA Times, NPR, and Al Jazeera.

Incoming FEMA chief of staff Karen Evans is set to assume Richardson's duties on December 1. The agency is currently undergoing significant changes, with reports indicating a capacity reduction of approximately 2,500 employees since earlier this year due to cuts and resignations, as highlighted by the Government Accountability Office, and a push from the Trump administration to restructure FEMA in a way that shifts more disaster response responsibilities to the states, according to India Times and BBC.