To streamline the recovery process for both individuals and organizations, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency has reorganized existing personnel and added new positions to create the Disaster Recovery Division.

“The reorganization of these assets, combined with the creation of the Community Recovery Department allows us to focus efforts on disaster recovery in a single division,” said Homer Bryson, Director of GEMA/HS. “It allows us to take the many years of experience the staff has in their individual areas and bring it under one umbrella, making the process for helping Georgians recover from disasters more efficient.”

Newly-appointed as the Deputy Director for Disaster Recovery, Charlie Dawson will head the division which consists of three departments – Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation and the newly created Community Recovery.

The Community Recovery Department is responsible for working with nonprofit and volunteer organizations to develop capabilities for long-term community recovery through Volunteers Active in Disaster (VOAD) and Individual Assistance programs.

As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.