President Bush Appoints Arkansas Native As Chief Of Staff At The Federal Emergency Management Agency 

Release Date: May 29, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-Rhode

Washington, D.C. -- Patrick Rhode, a Hot Springs, Ark., native who previously served in the Bush White House, has been appointed by President Bush to be chief of staff for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Under Secretary Michael D. Brown announced today.

As chief of staff, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the agency and for directing the implementation of Brown's priorities and policies. FEMA coordinates federal disaster relief activities, including the response and recovery operations of 26 federal agencies and departments and the American Red Cross. FEMA's responsibilities also include initiating proactive mitigation activities, training first responders, and overseeing the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the Department of Homeland Security in March 2003.

"Patrick brings his understanding of state and local government and his experience at the White House and the U.S. Small Business Administration to FEMA at a critical time in the agency's transition to the Department of Homeland Security," said Brown. "He is dedicated to ensuring that FEMA's mission of all-hazards disaster response, recovery, preparedness and mitigation remains true within DHS."

Before joining FEMA, Rhode was associate administrator at the U.S. Small Business Administration and White House liaison for the Department of Commerce. His first position with the Bush Administration was as special assistant to the President and deputy director of National Advance Operations, a position he assumed in January 2001.

Previously, Rhode served as deputy director of National Advance Operations for the George W. Bush Presidential Campaign, in Austin, Texas. His other professional credits include serving in communications and public affairs roles in the Texas state government and the private sector.

A native of Hot Springs, Ark., Mr. Rhode holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Arkansas, in Fayetteville.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Jun-2003 09:45:57