NEWS RELEASE

Office of Governor Brad Henry
State of Oklahoma
State Capitol – Oklahoma City OK 73105
405-521-2342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- 6/20/2007

State Emergency Management Director Appointed to National Advisory Council

Oklahoma City – Gov. Brad Henry announced today that Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management Director Albert Ashwood has been appointed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Advisory Council.

The Council advises the FEMA Administrator on preparedness and emergency management issues and was developed after passage of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006. It was instituted to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of the federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery and mitigation for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

"I’m honored to be a part of this critical project," Ashwood said. "The State of Oklahoma has been supported so greatly by this nation. I welcome this opportunity to give back by sharing our experience with other local, state and national leaders."

Ashwood, who currently serves as president of the National Emergency Management Association, brings to the council 19 years of emergency management experience. He was appointed OEM director in 1997 and during his tenure has overseen the distribution and administration of more than $500 million in federal and state aid following Presidential Declarations including the May 3, 1999, and May 8-9, 2003 tornadoes; the Interstate-40 bridge collapse; wildfire outbreaks in 2000 and 2006; Oklahoma’s assistance for Hurricane Katrina/Rita evacuees and four ice storms.

Most recently, Ashwood completed the Executive Leadership Program at the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security. He was one of only 27 graduates to complete the program that brought together officials from across the nation and from all levels of government and the private sector to explore strategies and policies for homeland security.

Members of the Council represent a cross-section of officials from emergency management and law enforcement, and include homeland security directors, adjutants general, emergency response providers from state, local, and tribal governments, private sector and nongovernmental organizations.