David Paulison Sworn In As FEMA Director
David Paulison was sworn in as FEMA Director today by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. Paulison, who will report to Secretary Chertoff, also holds the title of Under Secretary of Federal Emergency Management for the Department of Homeland Security.
At 4:00 p.m. EDT today, Harvey Johnson, who recently joined FEMA as Deputy Director after retiring as Vice Admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard, welcomed FEMA employees and members of the media to the swearing in ceremony. Secretary Chertoff then led the swearing in ceremony with Paulison’s family, including his wife Kathy, daughter Amy and two granddaughters Isabella and Lily, in attendance.
Paulison, who has served as Acting Director since September 13, 2005, joined FEMA in December 2001 as U.S. Fire Administrator and later served as director of FEMA’s preparedness division from 2003 to 2004. Earlier this year, Secretary Chertoff created the Preparedness Directorate, led by Under Secretary George Foresman, which assumes many of the preparedness duties. Paulison and Foresman have already begun working together to ensure the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states and residents are prepared for the hurricane season.
Paulison is the eighth FEMA Director in the agency’s 27-year history.
Last Modified: Monday, 12-Jun-2006 10:15:51 EDT