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Homeland Security 5 Year Anniversary 2003 - 2008, One Team, One Mission Securing the Homeland

Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on the Selection of Douglas O’Dell as Coordinator of Federal Support for the Recovery and Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast Region

Release Date: April 18, 2008

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

Today President Bush announced his selection of Douglas O’Dell as the Coordinator of Federal Support for the Recovery and Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast Region.

Doug has extensive command and control experience, including emergency response and the transition to ongoing management, notably serving as commander of U.S. Marine Forces, Joint Task Force Katrina/Rita during Gulf Coast relief operations.

Doug comes to the department after a distinguished 39-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring last year as a Major General with command of the New Orleans-based 4th Marine Division, the largest combat unit in the Corps. Immediately after 9/11, he was activated to lead 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti-Terrorism), and also served as Vice Commander of Marine Forces for Europe, the Atlantic and South America.

Simultaneous with his reserve military service before 9/11, he pursued a successful career in investment management, retiring as a partner of AIM Investments on Sept. 10, 2001. 

I look forward to working with Doug and continuing our response to the needs of Americans across the Gulf Coast Region.

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This page was last reviewed/modified on April 18, 2008.