A Disciplined Partner Across the Full Recovery Horizon
The Reinsmen Group advises municipalities, counties, special districts, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits recovering from declared disasters, guiding them through FEMA's Public Assistance process with clarity, discipline, and confidence.
MEET WILLIAM SLATER Founder, The Reinsmen Group
William Slater has spent more than 30 years on the front lines of emergency management — first as a New York State Police officer and Emergency Manager, then as a FEMA disaster responder, and for the past decade-plus as a senior executive building and running disaster recovery and mitigation programs for state and local governments across the country.
He began his career with the New York State Police, rising to Station Commander and Emergency Management Supervisor and serving in the NYC Mayor's Command Post during the World Trade Center response. In 2010, he joined FEMA as a Disaster Assistance Employee with the Region 2 cadre, then moved into recovery consulting as Deputy Director in Utica, NY — serving as Deputy Liaison to the PA Branch Chief for New York State's recovery from Hurricane Sandy. Over the following decade, he rose through Vice President and Chief Operating Officer roles at a national disaster recovery consulting firm, working on some of the nation's most challenging major disaster responses in locations including Hawaii, Alaska, and the Florida Keys. Along the way, he helped guide the organization through mergers and reorganizations while keeping the operational focus on what's best for the client first.
William holds a Master of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. He has been a Certified Department of Homeland Security Instructor and a New York State Certified Fire Instructor, with more than 2,000 hours of Incident Command training. He has also served his own community for more than 30 years as a volunteer firefighter, chief officer, and EMT.
Why He Founded The Reinsmen Group
"I've sat on both sides of the table — coordinating the response, and advising the community when the money and deadlines start piling up. Communities don't need another vendor filling out forms. They need someone who will tell them the truth, fight for what they're owed, and still be there long after the check clears. They need a partner."
After three decades inside some of the largest disaster responses in the country, William founded The Reinsmen Group to bring that same standard of advocacy to the communities that need it most: local governments and nonprofits without a recovery staff of their own. His approach is simple: treat every client's recovery like it's the only one that matters, because to them, it is.
Why Reinsmen?
In the 19th century, the reinsman was the driver entrusted to guide a stagecoach — and everyone in it — safely across unfamiliar, often dangerous terrain. Passengers didn't know the trail ahead. They knew the reinsman did, and they trusted him to get them through it.
Consistent Counsel, From Readiness to Closeout
Declared-disaster recovery unfolds over years, and early decisions shape outcomes long after the response ends. The Reinsmen Group serves as a consistent advisor throughout that process, from pre-disaster readiness through final Closeout.
Municipalities, special districts, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking a disciplined, long-term recovery partner are invited to contact us.