Arthur L. Freeman Designated Acting Regional Director 

Release Date: January 19, 2001
Release Number: R7-01-05

» 2001 Region VII News Releases

Kansas City, MO -- Arthur L. Freeman has been designated the Acting Regional Director for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Region VII in Kansas City, Mo. Region VII covers the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Freeman replaces Beth Freeman who became the regional director in July 2000. Ms. Freeman, a political appointee of President Bill Clinton, has returned to her previous position on the staff of Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Ten regional offices comprise FEMA. A regional director appointed by the president heads each. Mr. Freeman will serve as Acting Regional Director until President George W. Bush nominates a replacement. Since October 1997 he has served as the region's Deputy Regional Director where, in conjunction with the Regional Director, he was responsible for the region's day-to-day operations.

Mr. Freeman's background is diverse. He is certified in seven separate career fields: business management, plans and acquisition/contract management, economic development, directorate level management and planning, program/project management, logistics management (to include budget and financial management), and emergency management. Further, he has also served as a computer systems analyst and an auditor. All but one of these positions was in the federal government.

Prior to joining FEMA, Mr. Freeman headed the Minority Business Development Division for the state of Ohio. In that capacity he supervised nine regional offices charged with the responsibility for the development and support of various programs to promote economic development and growth of minority and women owned businesses throughout the state. Art was also selected to serve as one of the four committee members on the Governor's Minority Affairs Committee charged with strategic planning and the development of state legislation in support of equal employment opportunity (EEO) and to rewrite affirmative action programs in light of challenges to various set-aside and affirmative action programs.

Mr. Freeman is a retired military officer. While in the military he served on seven headquarters staffs including the Pentagon, various combat commands and support commands. In these positions he was responsible for developing various policy for supported field units as well as tactical & strategic planning. He was also charged with producing an assortment of inputs for annual posture statements to Congress, served on committees providing inputs and reviews for "think-tank" studies such as for RAND.

A native of San Antonio, Texas, he holds a degree in Business Administration from Tennessee State University, an M.S. degree in Business Management from Central Michigan University, and is a graduate of the Air War College, National Defense University, Air Command and Staff College, and Squadron Officer School.

Last Modified: Friday, 24-Oct-2003 10:04:19