June 9, 2004

ROMNEY APPOINTS McCOMBS MEMA DIRECTOR

First Woman to Lead Emergency Management Agency in Massachusetts

Citing the importance of the Commonwealth’s continued preparedness for and response to natural and man-made disasters, Governor Mitt Romney today announced the appointment of Cristine McCombs as Director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

On January 5, 2004, McCombs was elevated to the position of Acting Director of MEMA, becoming the first woman to serve in that critical role. She has been a key member of the MEMA team since 1991, following Hurricane Bob, when she joined the agency to help provide federal and state assistance as MEMA’s Disaster Recovery Manager.

“Cristine McCombs is an emergency management professional with more than 13 years experience,” Romney said. “She has done an impressive job as the acting head of MEMA since the beginning of this year and I am confident she will continue to lead the Bay State’s emergency preparedness efforts with excellence for years to come.”

Serving as the State Coordinating Officer for nine presidential and seven state declared disasters, McCombs has overseen the allocation of hundreds of millions of dollars to the Commonwealth to assist municipalities, non-profit institutions, businesses and homeowners.

In addition, McCombs has been directly responsible for all aspects of fiscal monitoring of federal and state disaster grants, including Housing & Urban Development, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Hazard Mitigation Grants. She also developed the interagency strategy for administration of the Commonwealth’s mitigation programs with the Department of Environmental Management.

“Director McCombs clearly understands the critical role that MEMA needs to play in a post 9/11 world, and I look forward to working with her as we confront natural and man-made challenges to the people of the Commonwealth,” said Public Safety Secretary Edward A. Flynn.

“I appreciate the opportunity presented by Governor Romney and Secretary Flynn to lead this agency that coordinates the Commonwealth’s preparedness and response to all emergencies and disasters,” said McCombs. “I look forward to the upcoming challenges and will work tirelessly to ensure the continued safety of all the citizens of Massachusetts.”

In her new role, McCombs also serves as Chairperson of the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) and as the State Liaison Officer to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA helps develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made.

For additional information about MEMA, visit the agency’s Web site at www.mass.gov/mema.

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