Press Release - Sept 11, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, SEPT. 11, 2007
CONTACTS
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370
Linda Rice, 303.866.6249
GOV. RITTER NAMES NEW EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR
Gov. Bill Ritter and Department of Local Affairs Executive Director Susan Kirkpatrick today announced the selection of Hans Kallam as director of the Division of Emergency Management.
Since 2001, Kallam has served as director of operations for the adjutant general of the Colorado National Guard. Prior to that, Kallam served as a National Guard commander, providing leadership, management and supervision of a command-and-control headquarters for a variety of operations throughout the state.
"Hans Kallam's background with the National Guard and his other professional experiences give him an ideal skill set to lead our state's Division of Emergency Management," Gov. Ritter said. "He brings solid experiences that will benefit our state's preparedness and response efforts."
The Division of Emergency Management is one of five divisions within the Department of Local Affairs. The division is responsible for the state's comprehensive emergency management program, which supports local and state agencies. Activities and services cover the four phases of emergency management: preparedness, prevention, response and recovery for disasters such as flooding, tornadoes, wildfire, hazardous materials incidents and acts of terrorism.
"I consider it a privilege to serve the Colorado emergency management community and look forward to working together with our federal, state and local partners to improve Colorado's readiness," Kallam said.
Kallam will assume his new role on Oct. 1.