Grant Peterson is nationally recognized for his expertise in the field of emergency management. He has been a major contributor to the planning, assessment, operational systems development, training and exercises on behalf of such organizations as FEMA, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the Department of Justice (DOJ). Prior to his current work in the private sector, Mr. Peterson was appointed by President Reagan to FEMA as Associate Director of State and Local Programs and Support. Mr. Peterson served in the position of Associate Director of FEMA for 6 years.  He managed several mitigation, hazardous materials (HazMat), emergency preparedness, and response programs including the President’s Disaster Assistance Program, Radiological Emergency Preparedness, Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness; the Civil Defense Program, and the Hurricane, Earthquake, and Dam Safety Program. He also was responsible for the administration of the Emmitsburg, MD, Emergency Management Institute.

During his tenure at FEMA, Mr. Peterson managed the federal response to 190 Presidentially declared disasters and administered a budget of more than $8 billion. In Fiscal Year 1992, Congress appropriated $4.3 billion for programs under Mr. Peterson's directorate and authorized 857 employees. In this capacity, Mr. Peterson testified more than 30 times before various committees of the U.S. Congress. He presented 22 briefings in the White House Situation Room and was the lead spokesperson on all national disaster and emergency issues.