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July 23, 2008 GOVERNOR NAMES MARK WALTERS TO LEAD V.I. TERRITORIAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, VITEMA
Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. today appointed Mark A. Walters as State Director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, VITEMA. Walters returns to the Territory from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where he was most recently Director of the Management Division for FEMA Region II, which covers the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, New Jersey and New York. Walters has been with FEMA for nineteen years. During his most recent assignment which dates back to 2007, he was responsible for the financial management of disaster grants; human capital, facilities and acquisition management; information technology and administrative services and workforce relations. Most recently he was also responsible for the financial oversight of the multi-billion dollar homeland security grants transferred to FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security. Walters also served as FEMA’s Region II Management Representative to FEMA’s Labor Management Partnership Council. DeJongh thanked FEMA Director David Paulison and FEMA Region II Administrator Stephen Kempf, Jr. for their assistance in providing such talented leadership as the Territory continues to build its on-the-ground capacity at VITEMA. Walters will serve in the Virgin Islands on loan from FEMA as an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) employee. DeJongh said Walters brings a tremendous wealth of experience to the position and “we are most grateful to FEMA for providing us with one of its most seasoned managers who will have an opportunity to make a substantial contribution to his community through this assignment.” DeJongh said he could think of no better candidate to bring the necessary leadership, vision and stability to our community at a time when we are seeking to revitalize our approach to emergency preparedness in the Virgin Islands. Walters said this is a great opportunity for him to return home and provide the expertise at VITEMA that he has gained in emergency planning and in solidifying the emergency preparedness capabilities of the Virgin Islands. “I am elated at the opportunity to return home and assist the people of the Virgin Islands. This is truly an honor and privilege.” After Hurricane Katrina, Walters served as a Senior FEMA Liaison to the City of New Orleans where he was responsible for assisting the city with developing housing strategies for displaced victims. He provided guidance to the Mayor’s office and the city’s leadership on disaster assistance programs. His other professional experience with FEMA includes his service as Recovery Branch Chief where he was responsible for multiple disaster recovery programs, including managing a staff of 120 persons. Walters also excelled as Supervisor, Information Analysis Officer and Human Services Specialist for FEMA’s Caribbean Division. In addition, Walters served as Human Services Special Assistant for response and recovery operations following the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Consequent to his performance in this assignment, he received FEMA’s Director’s Award for Outstanding Performance and Leadership in responding to and helping individuals and businesses recover from the disaster. After Hurricane Marilyn, Walters served as a Senior Program Manager for initiatives that provided over $200 million in disaster housing assistance, personal property and other individual assistance. Walters was instrumental in recruiting and hiring more than 50 Virgin Islanders for FEMA’s national reservist cadre. Serving as a disaster assistance employee with FEMA after Hurricane Hugo, Walters assisted hurricane victims with obtaining disaster assistance and later managed the Temporary Housing Program in the Virgin Islands. He has served on numerous Emergency Response Teams in lead or senior management positions in disaster operations throughout the United States. In addition, Walters has participated in the following professional development and training courses: FEMA’s Leadership Excellence Program; Disaster Field Organization Management Program; Terrorism Planning Course: “Train the Trainer”; Radiological Emergency Preparedness Evaluator’s Course; Incident Command System Training; National Incident Management System Training Program; and special training in a National Response Plan. Walters was also nominated for a Federal Executive Board Team Leader Award. Walters studied at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida following attendance at Charlotte Amalie High School and graduation from the Florida Air Academy. He also served in the National Guard both in New York and the Virgin Islands. In addition, Walters is also a volunteer webmaster and photographer with the Virgin Islands Amateur Boxing Federation. He is also a Certified PADI Advance Open Water Diver. Walters is married to Susanna Velazquez of the Dominican Republic. They have two children: Matthew and Meaghan. DeJongh extended his thanks to Stevelyn A. Parris who served as Acting State Director of VITEMA since January 2007. Parris returns to his position as VITEMA Deputy Director for St. Thomas-St. John. |
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