FEMA Transitional Recovery Office Gets New Acting Director
Release Date: January 16, 2007
Release Number: 1604-502
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BILOXI, Miss. -- Gil Jamieson, Deputy Director for Gulf Coast Recovery for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency, announced that Jeff Byard has been named acting director of the FEMA-Mississippi Transitional Recovery Office in Biloxi, Miss.
"We are delighted that Jeff is joining the new leadership team for recovery in Mississippi," said Jamieson. "Jeff knows state and FEMA programs inside and out. He brings many years of experience working with FEMA, and has a commitment to customer service-service to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina-that is exemplary."
Byard most recently served as the director of the FEMA-Alabama Transitional Recovery Office in Montgomery, Ala., coordinating and directing recovery efforts for Hurricane Katrina. He served as Recovery Branch Chief for Alabama's Emergency Management Agency for four years.
Byard is a native Alabamian and a U.S. veteran, having served as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps where he was an infantry squad leader during Operation Desert Storm. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and human resources from Troy University.
"I look forward to helping the people of Mississippi in their recovery. Much has been achieved here, but there is still much to do," said Byard.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 16-Jan-2007 06:01:03