The following comments were made by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on the appointment of Gil Jamieson as FEMA deputy director for Gulf Coast recovery:

The entire federal government remains deeply committed to the promise and progress of the Gulf States region in recovering from the unprecedented devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In continuation of that commitment, I have appointed Gil Jamieson as FEMA Deputy Director for Gulf Coast Recovery to manage FEMA's ongoing recovery work supporting this vital region of our country.

This newly created position will provide a single focal point for coordination of FEMA's continuing recovery work in the area. Gil will report directly to FEMA Acting Director David Paulison. This appointment is effective upon completion of the work currently performed by Vice Admiral Thad Allen, the Principal Federal Official (PFO). Admiral Allen will complete his assignment as PFO Friday, January 27, thus providing for the transition to FEMA's longer term work in the area as contemplated by the National Response Plan. Gil previously served in the region as deputy to Admiral Allen, and he will continue to work in close coordination with Don Powell, Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding.

Gil is a highly-regarded and deeply experienced career FEMA official, who has held several key positions at the agency since 1979. His prior positions at FEMA include, Manager of Disaster Assistance Programs, Director of Risk Assessment, Director of Planning, Director of the Program Coordination Division, and Acting Director of the National Incident Management Systems Integration Center.

I appreciate Gil's dedication to the Gulf States region, his willingness to serve and his drive to rebuild. He has my complete support and admiration.