The CDC Leaders

“There are thousands hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root.”

—Henry David Thoreau

 

William T. (Bill) Porter, JD

Director, Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness

In November 1999, Bill Porter became the Director of the Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness (OSEP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The responsibilities of OSEP changed, and significantly increased, following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the ensuing anthrax events.  Since that time OSEP has grown from 2 employees to more than 80. OSEP’s responsibilities have grown from mostly physical security to developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive security program including personnel suitability and select agent compliance, medical and public health intelligence, communications security, physical security, and emergency preparedness.

Mr. Porter has more than 30 years of government service.  Prior to becoming OSEP’s Director, he spent more than 20 years as CDC’s Chief of Real Property and Space Management.  He has also spent nearly 5 years with the General Services Administration (GSA) where he was as an Assistant Federal Buildings Manager and, later, a Realty Specialist.

He served for more than 25 years in the U.S Army with five years on active duty, including a tour in Viet Nam.  During his military career he served with the 101st Airborne Division and with the United States Army Special Forces 10th and 11th Groups.  He retired in 1994 while serving as the Operational Detachment’s (ODA 322) Intelligence and Operations sergeant, at the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8).

Porter received his Bachelors in Business Administration from North Georgia College and State University and his Juris Doctorate from Woodrow Wilson College of Law.

Bill and his wife Diane reside in Snellville, Georgia.  They have three children, Keleigh, Kristen and Evan.  They also have two dogs and three cats.  Keleigh and Kristen are members of the Atlanta Youth Choir, Evan is a Cub Scout and plays second base and catcher on the Braves little league baseball team.  In his free time, Bill enjoys reading, fishing, and camping.