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Kenneth Murphy

Regional Administrator, FEMA Region X

Kenneth Murphy, Region X Administrator

Kenneth Dean Murphy was appointed as the Regional Administrator for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region X on 29 June 2010. In this role, he oversees and coordinates FEMA's all-hazards preparedness and emergency management efforts for Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, through offices located in Anchorage, Alaska; Hermiston Oregon; and three facilities located near Bothell , Washington. These efforts include developing, implementing and executing FEMA's mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery programs—in close coordination with a strong team of partners from all levels of government, volunteer and faith-based groups, and business communities.

Mr. Murphy brings an extensive background in emergency services and coordinated response to his position as Regional Administrator. As the Oregon Emergency Management Director from 2003 to 2010, Murphy was responsible for coordinating activities with state, local, private sector and tribal emergency service agencies to develop and implement all-hazards disaster preparedness and Homeland Security programs to serve the citizens of Oregon. He also served on the Oregon Homeland Security Council, Oregon's State Interoperability Executive Council, the Governor's Search and Rescue Policy Commission, Governor's Recovery Cabinet, vice chair of the Western States Seismic Safety Policy Council, as well as on FEMA's National Advisory Council. Murphy oversaw the response and recovery for six Presidential and eight Gubernatorial disaster declarations in Oregon.

Murphy spent nearly three decades as a member of the Oregon Army National Guard, in traditional and active duty roles. During that time, he served as Director of Military Support to Civilian Authorities, where he was responsible for the Guard's coordination and response to emergencies. He also was Chief of the U.S. Army's European Crisis Action Team in Heidelberg, Germany, where he managed and coordinated military emergency response throughout Europe.

Murphy is a past President of the National Emergency Management Association. During his term as President of the National Emergency Management Association, Mr. Murphy instituted quarterly meetings with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the FEMA Administrator, opening new lines of understanding and collaboration. He also—in collaboration with FEMA—held meetings and started the process of expanding mutual aid compacts between the United States and Canada, and continued this process to include Mexico. He is a graduate of Concordia University with a bachelor's degree in management and communications, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the Naval Post Graduate School Executive Leadership Program.

Last Modified: Thursday, 02-Sep-2010 16:09:22 EDT