President Bush has announced his intent to nominate R. David Paulison as Under Secretary for Federal Emergency Management at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff also announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Harvey E. Johnson, Jr., as deputy director and chief operating officer of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"Dave has provided terrific leadership at FEMA," said Secretary Chertoff. "He is a deeply experienced and accomplished emergency management executive and I am thrilled to have him lead FEMA at this important time. We are also pleased to announce that Vice Admiral Johnson has accepted our invitation to serve as deputy director and chief operating officer. Harvey is a first class operator who comes to FEMA with substantial Coast Guard experience and skills that will allow him to hit the ground running."

Paulison has been acting director of FEMA since September 2005 and has overseen 25 disaster declarations since he assumed his position. He also served as the Director of the Preparedness Division of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate of FEMA from 2003-2004. Before joining FEMA, Paulison dedicated more than 30 years to fire and rescue services. He began his career as a rescue firefighter and rose through the ranks of Rescue Lieutenant Commander, District Chief of Operations, Division Chief, Assistant Chief and then Deputy Director for Administration before becoming the Miami-Dade Fire Chief in Florida .

Upon Senate confirmation, Paulison will assume the title of Undersecretary for Federal Emergency Management and report directly to Secretary Chertoff.

Johnson has been the Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard's Pacific Area since June 2004. In his role as Commander, Johnson developed plans that integrate Coast Guard forces with the Department of Defense as well as other federal, state and local agencies. Johnson served as the executive director of the Coast Guard's transition into the Department of Homeland Security. He has more than 30 years of experience as a Coast Guard officer and began his career as a Deck Watch Officer aboard the Cutter Steadfast. He earned his Naval Aviator wings in 1977. Johnson's staff assignments include: Aviation Assignment Officer in the Office of Personnel and Training; Program Reviewer and Analyst within the Office of the Chief of Staff; Deputy Chief in the Programs Division within the Office of the Chief of Staff; and member of the Streamlining Team.

Additional Senior Management Appointments

DHS Secretary Chertoff also announced the appointment of David Maurstad as FEMA's Mitigation Division director, and the appointment this week of Deidre Lee as Deputy Director of Operations.

Maurstad has been with the agency since 2001 and served as a Regional Director in the Midwest . Maurstad brings an understanding of state and local community issues from his time as Nebraska 's Lieutenant Governor, a state legislator, and Mayor. Lee comes to FEMA from the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service as Assistant Commissioner of Integrated Technology Services. Lee has managed procurement issues for the Department of Defense, the Office of Management and Budget, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

"The promotion of Dave Maurstad is richly deserved. He brings outstanding experience and substantial knowledge of FEMA's mitigation programs," said Secretary Chertoff. "Deidre Lee brings crucial acquisition skills and vast experience to this important area. She will be a valued addition to the management team. These are two key additions to the senior management team at FEMA.