Weekly Edition | May 1 | By: NPstaff

Santa Fe, NM – An important part of defending NM gets a face lift, after Gov. Susana Martinez announced this week that she has appointed Greg Myers to serve as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

“Like Governor Martinez, I am committed to ensuring the safety and security of all New Mexicans, especially during emergencies and times of crisis,” added Secretary Myers. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and I will continue to work closely with the Governor, local communities, law enforcement, the National Guard and others to carry out our shared mission.”

Myers was named Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in October 2011 and took on the role of Acting Secretary following the departure of former Secretary Michael Duvall in January 2012.

“During his time at the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Secretary Myers has shown that he is a strong leader who is fully committed to keeping New Mexicans safe,” said Governor Martinez. “I’m grateful for his service during the department’s period of transition and I am certain that he will continue DHSEM’s strong record of anticipating and responding to New Mexico’s health and safety needs during times of crisis.”

Myers officially retired from the United States Air Force as a Colonel on January 1, 2012, most recently serving as Director for Process Improvement and Integration at Kirtland Air Force Base.

He has also served as Commander of the Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Stewart in Savannah, GA, Director of Staff for the Air Support Operations Group at Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville, NC, and Director of Operations for the Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Polk in Leesville, LA. He holds a B.S in Education from California University of Pennsylvania, an M.S. in Health Care Administration from Central Michigan University, and an M.A. in Strategic Studies from Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base.