Homeland Security Council

Blunt Names Mark James as Rep to National Governor’s Homeland Security Council

JEFFERSON CITY, June 7, 2006—Gov. Matt Blunt today designated Mark James, Director of Public Safety as Missouri’s representative to the newly created National Governor’s Homeland Security Advisors Council.

“Director James is nationally recognized in the intelligence arena and will be a key contributor to this effort to improve coordination between the states and Federal government,” Blunt said. “I look forward to the discussion and action plans that will come from this group.”

The National Governors Association (NGA) recently created the 50-state panel in answer to survey responses compiled last month, detailing challenges states face in communication with the federal government. The NGA envisions the council as an open forum for states to share common concerns and develop strategies for managing homeland security.

Mark James came to the director’s position with over 28 years of experience in protecting Missourians. For nine years James worked with the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) before starting a 19-year tenure with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Unafraid to review and rebuild existing departmental infrastructure, James has been responsible for overhauling ATF’s intelligence function and designing the MSHP’s first criminal intelligence unit. He also served as the ATF Incident Commander who oversaw the capture of the "D.C. Snipers" in the fall of 2002.

In his first year, James accepted a responsibility no other director has ever handled when the Missouri Office of Homeland Security was moved under the Department of Public Safety. James has met Gov. Blunt’s expectation of restructuring the Department to better utilize all law enforcement resources for Missouri’s preparation for and response to natural disasters and criminal and terrorist activity.

The council is expected to meet twice a year discussing a magnitude of objectives including improving interstate communications, developing a unified voice and trouble shooting emerging issues while reviewing and analyzing federal homeland security activities. All levels of government will be interfaced concerning homeland security efforts to better assess and combat domestic threats.

*News Release*
*Public Safety*	Matt Blunt, Governor	Mark James, Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, please contact: Terri Durdaller Communication Director Work:(573) 751-4819 Cell: (573) 301-2023
Blunt Names Mark James as Rep to National Governor’s Homeland Security Council JEFFERSON CITY, June 7, 2006—Gov. Matt Blunt today designated Mark James, Director of Public Safety as Missouri’s representative to the newly created National Governor’s Homeland Security Advisors Council. “Director James is nationally recognized in the intelligence arena and will be a key contributor to this effort to improve coordination between the states and Federal government,” Blunt said. “I look forward to the discussion and action plans that will come from this group.” The National Governors Association (NGA) recently created the 50-state panel in answer to survey responses compiled last month, detailing challenges states face in communication with the federal government. The NGA envisions the council as an open forum for states to share common concerns and develop strategies for managing homeland security. Mark James came to the director’s position with over 28 years of experience in protecting Missourians. For nine years James worked with the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) before starting a 19-year tenure with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Unafraid to review and rebuild existing departmental infrastructure, James has been responsible for overhauling ATF’s intelligence function and designing the MSHP’s first criminal intelligence unit. He also served as the ATF Incident Commander who oversaw the capture of the "D.C. Snipers" in the fall of 2002. In his first year, James accepted a responsibility no other director has ever handled when the Missouri Office of Homeland Security was moved under the Department of Public Safety. James has met Gov. Blunt’s expectation of restructuring the Department to better utilize all law enforcement resources for Missouri’s preparation for and response to natural disasters and criminal and terrorist activity. The council is expected to meet twice a year discussing a magnitude of objectives including improving interstate communications, developing a unified voice and trouble shooting emerging issues while reviewing and analyzing federal homeland security activities. All levels of government will be interfaced concerning homeland security efforts to better assess and combat domestic threats.
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