Presidential Appointment Finalized; Former FEMA Regional Director Becomes Chief Operating Officer

Ron Castleman, the former director of the Texas-based regional office for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has formally assumed the presidentially appointed position of chief operating officer, Under Secretary Michael D. Brown announced today.

As chief operating officer for FEMA, now part of the Department of Homeland Security, he is responsible for implementing policies and procedures on behalf of the under secretary and overseeing all response, recovery, mitigation and preparedness activities.

"Ron has provided leadership for some of FEMA's most significant recent disasters, including the Columbia shuttle tragedy and Tropical Storm Alison," said Brown. "This hands-on disaster experience coupled with his understanding of regional government and coalition building at the local level makes him a perfect choice for this key position within the new department."

Castleman was director in FEMA's Region VI since 2001, responsible for coordinating FEMA activities in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

Prior to joining FEMA, Castleman was chief administrative officer for the Bush-Cheney 2000 Campaign, where he had human resource and administrative responsibilities. He also assisted in the administration transition. Previously, Castleman held senior positions in human resources and administration for several private sector companies.

A native of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Castleman holds a bachelor of science in business administration from Middle Tennessee State University, where he also pursued graduate studies. He is a member of the advisory board for the North Texas Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America.