Assistant Secretary for Operations, Security & Preparedness
Charles L. Hopkins, III, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Assistant Secretary for Operations, Security and Preparedness in the Department of Veterans Affairs on August 9, 2007. He directs Department emergency management, security, and law enforcement programs that ensure VA can perform its mission of serving veterans under all threat conditions. Before joining VA, Mr. Hopkins was the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistant Administrator for Federal Executive Branch Continuity of Operations (COOP), Continuity of Government (COG) and Contingency Programs. He was responsible for formulating guidance and establishing common standards for agencies to use in developing viable, executable COOP and COG plans and facilitating interagency cooperation. He oversaw and assessed COOP and COG capabilities of Federal Executive Branch departments and agencies. Prior to joining FEMA in 2005, Mr. Hopkins served as Director of Emergency Programs and Physical Security for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). He was responsible for all policy, technical and operational matters related to IRS emergency management and preparedness, as well as physical security, protection of critical infrastructure, business resumption, and COOP and COG programs. Mr. Hopkins previously served in a number of leadership roles in the Department of Treasury, including Director of Emergency Programs and Chief of Staff/Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Management/Chief Financial Officer. He was responsible for day-to day operations and for directing implementation of the Assistant Secretary’s priorities and policies. Mr. Hopkins began his professional career by enlisting in the U.S. Navy, from which he retired with more than 29 years of service. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Oklahoma and a Master’s Degree in mechanical engineering at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
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