Michael J. Willis Appointed Colorado Emergency Management Director

Michael J. Willis begins his tenure as the Director of the Colorado Office of Emergency Management within the Division of Homeland Security and EmergencyManagement (DHSEM) on November 15, 2017.

Willis brings more than 28 years of leadership experience as an active duty and Colorado active guard/ reserve officer. Most recently he served as the Assistant Adjutant General of the Colorado National Guard for cyber, space and missile defense. He also served in numerous other leadership roles within the National Guard with broad responsibilities for strategic planning, complex operations, program management, logistics and financial management.

Willis also has extensive experience in disaster relief and all-hazards response and recovery operations including several missions within Colorado. During the 2013 Colorado floods, Willis served as the operational commander for the Colorado National Guard’s ground search and rescue efforts as well as the rebuilding of highway 36. His service to Colorado also includes support during the 2008 Windsor tornado and the 2008 Democratic National Convention

“Michael Willis is the right person at the right time and will provide critical leadership, guidance and direction for the Office of Emergency Management that will continue and enhance our success before, during and after disasters that impact Colorado”, states Kevin Klein, Director of the DHSEM. “We are fortunate to have his vast experience and knowledge to lead us forward.”

Willis holds a Master’s of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College and a Master’s of Science in space systems operations from Webster University. He received his Bachelor of Art’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado.

Willis was selected as the emergency management director after an extensive national search and over 60 applicants.

DHSEM Job Announcement: Director of the Office of Emergency Management

DHSEM is seeking a Director of the Office of Emergency Management. Position closes on Sept. 1, 2017.

Link to the job announcement and application process: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/1822614-0/director-of-the-office-of-emergency-management.

DHSEM Staffing Changes in the Office of Emergency Management

Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Marilyn Gally is transitioning to a role with the Colorado Recovery and Resiliency Office effective August 14, 2017. 

DHSEM Director Kevin Klein stated,  "I want to take this opportunity to thank Marilyn for her service to the State, the Division and, and specifically, the Office of Emergency Management for many years. Marilyn played critical roles in many of the State’s worst moments. From mitigating known hazards, to emergency response, to long-term recovery, Marilyn has been there to help. Marilyn was there for community meetings; putting humanity and hope for disaster survivors. Please join me in wishing Marilyn the best in her new role."

National Search Underway

The search for Gally’s replacement will be a nationwide search and will begin immediately. We will aggressively recruit qualified candidates. Our goal is to have a replacement named within 60 days.

The Acting Office of Emergency Management Director duties will be effective August 14, 2017.

Acting Director of the Office of Emergency Management: Ezzie Michaels

Director Michaels will continue in his role as director of the Office of Preparedness but he will also assume an acting role for the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) while DHSEM conducts a national search for a new OEM Director. In his acting capacity, Michaels will be responsible for the management, direction, and supervision of all sections within the OEM.

Acting Director for Emergency Response Operations: Bruce Holloman

Bruce Holloman will be acting director during a state declared disaster or emergency or other significant event, and will ensure appropriate state response activities and coordination across all levels of government (federal, tribal, state, and local) and the private sector (non-governmental, voluntary, and for profit agencies). He will continue to ensure operational readiness of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC)  pending the selection of a new OEM Director.

Marilyn Gally Named Director for Colorado Office of Emergency Management

Gally tours damage in Jamestown during 2013 floods.

Marilyn Gally announced as the new director for the Colorado Office of Emergency Management today. Gally began her career with the State of Colorado more than 19 years ago with the Colorado Department of Transportation. She transferred in August 1999 to the Colorado Office of Emergency Management.

She has served as the State Hazard Mitigation Officer, State Public Assistance Officer, State Individual Assistance Officer, Chief of Mitigation and Recovery, Duty Officer, backup Public Information Officer and most recently as the Acting Emergency Management Director.

Gally was born and raised in upstate New York. After college she migrated to Florida, where she worked various jobs, got married and went to graduate school. Deciding Tallahassee was too hot and humid to settle down permanently, Marilyn and David packed a truck and headed for the beautiful State of Colorado, where they could ski to their hearts’ content. Soon after arriving in 1997, Marilyn started her career in state government.

Gally holds three degrees: a Bachelor’s degree in Geological Science from the State University of New York and Masters degrees in Public Administration (MPA) and Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) from Florida State University.

Fun fact: One of Marilyn’s most interesting jobs was as programs manager for the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was there she learned to handle reptiles (snakes, iguanas, and alligators), arthropods (mostly tarantulas), and birds of prey.

Gally as a Program Manager for the Museum of Discovery and Science in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.