New Chief Information Officer Named At FEMA
Release Date: October 27, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-228
Washington, D.C. - Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Michael D. Brown, announced today that he has named Barry C. West to be the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In this position, West will manage and operate FEMA's information technology and telecommunications systems, and provide information technology and telecommunications services to FEMA and other federal, state and local agencies when required.
"Barry's previous experience performing outstanding work at the National Weather Service will serve FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security well," said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. "I welcome Barry to the FEMA and Homeland Security family and look forward to working with him to ensure that our information infrastructure helps us meet our mission of preparing for, responding to and recovering from all potential hazards."
Prior to joining FEMA, West was the CIO of the National Weather Service (NWS). As the CIO, he oversaw all Information Technology policy, procedures and guidelines throughout the entire NWS. He also had responsibility for all computer security, enterprise architecture, the NWS IT Operating Plan, the NWS IT Strategic Plan and the enterprise network. West served on the NWS Corporate Board.
Previously, West served as the Deputy Director for the Office of Electronic Government at the U.S. General Services Administration from May 2000-May 2002. In this position, he worked closely with the Office of Management and Budget on several of the e-Government initiatives and also served as the technical the technical lead on the FirstGov.gov web portal. West was the chairperson of the Federal Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Business Working Group and spearheaded the first annual government-wide PKI conference for government and industry.
West holds a bachelors of science degree in Information Systems from Northern Michigan University and a Masters of Science and Administration in Administration from Central Michigan University. West holds an Executive Master of Science in Information Technology degree from the University of Maryland. He completed the Chief Information Officers Executive program at the University of Maryland in December 2001. West is presently an adjunct Assistant Professor in the graduate school at the University of Maryland University College.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 28-Oct-2003 10:45:56