Press Release- Jul 12, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007
Contact:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370
GOV. RITTER ANNOUNCES MAJOR CHANGES TO COLORADO HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAMS
Gov. Bill Ritter today announced a major overhaul of Colorado's homeland security structure to strengthen and better coordinate state operations and ensure compliance with federal spending guidelines.
The changes include creating the position of Governor's Homeland Security Coordinator, to be filled by retired Colorado National Guard Maj. Gen. Mason Whitney. In addition, former state Auditor Joanne Hill will oversee homeland security's financial component, and Kent Smiley, currently director of safety programs for the technology services division with the city and county of Denver, will direct the Governor's Continuity of Operations/Continuity of Government (COOP/COG) programs.
Upon taking office in January, Gov. Ritter directed his administration to conduct a detailed review of homeland security and emergency management programs. The ongoing review, along with federal audits, have identified continued flaws in the administration of the programs.
"One of state government's most critical responsibilities is to do all we can to keep Coloradans safe and secure and to respond to emergencies," Gov. Ritter said. "I can think of no better person than Gen. Whitney to lead this effort, which will include crafting a unified state strategy, helping us maximize dwindling federal grant dollars and creating a sustainable homeland security program. I'm honored that he is returning to once again serve the people of Colorado."
Currently, the Departments of Local Affairs and Public Safety share responsibility for homeland security programs, along with a coordinating body, the All Hazards Senior Advisory Committee (SAC). The review by Gov. Ritter's administration found this structure inadequate and the responsibilities too diffused to handle a serious terror incident in Colorado. The review also found that federal homeland security grant processes have been flawed, and changes to comply with federal laws and guidelines are critical, particularly because of shrinking federal resources to all states.
"We concluded that a central coordinator, reporting directly to me as Governor, was the best way to ensure that our programs are effective and efficient,"Gov. Ritter said.
Whitney, who retired from the National Guard earlier this year, will serve as homeland security coordinator under a one-year, $120,000 contract. He will manage a statewide planning process, overseeing policy and strategy development, federal grants, and collaboration among state agencies, the Governor¿s Office, legislature and the private sector. He begins Aug. 1 and will report to the Governor.
Whitney served as adjutant general of the Colorado National Guard from 2000 to April 2007. He served as a member of the Governor's Emergency Response Committee, as vice chairman of the SAC and an ex-officio member of the Governor's Expert Epidemic Emergency Response Committee.
Hill, under a one-year, $107,000 consulting contract, will scrutinize homeland security grant standards and audits. She starts Sept. 1 and will provide financial information and opinions, review internal controls, and evaluate compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. Hill served as Colorado state auditor from 2001 to 2006. She currently is director of the National Nuclear Security Administration Audits Division, Inspector General's Office.
Smiley will join the state Aug. 1 to revise and redevelop the Governor's COOP/COG plans, which are designed to maintain basic government services and functions in the face of a disaster or terrorist incident. Smiley will be housed in the Colorado Office of Information Technology with a salary of $100,000 a year.
Salaries for Whitney, Hill and Smiley will be paid out of federal homeland security grants.
These appointments follow the hiring of Chris Olson as director of the Colorado Division of Emergency Management. The division will work closely with Gen Whitney and continue its historic function of coordinating responses to natural disasters such as floods, fires, snow storms and tornadoes.