Final answer:
The first step in the NIST risk management process for FISMA compliance is to identify the risks, which precedes assessing, mitigating, and monitoring the risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines, the first step Marion should take in the risk management process for Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) compliance within an agency of the Department of the Interior is to identify the risks.
Risk identification is crucial as it lays the foundation for the subsequent steps. Once the risks are identified, they can be assessed, mitigated, and monitored. However, the very first action is to know what potential risks could affect the agency's information systems.