FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell said Champaign Fire Chief Gary Ludwig will be filling a position on the agency's National Advisory Council.
Criswell said the council advises her on emergency management and mitigations for disasters and national emergencies.
The council, created in 2006, has given nearly 400 recommendations to FEMA administrators.
Criswell said she appointed three returning members and 16 new members, including Ludwig, for three-year terms on the council.
Ludwig received the "Fire Chief of the Year" honor from the International Association of Fire Chiefs in August.