"Chris Pope is an energetic leader who can bring people together to make sure that New Hampshire is doing everything possible to prepare for any potential emergency. He has proven experience as an emergency management coordinator on the local level, good working relationships with other emergency response officials, and knowledge of homeland security issues," Gov. Lynch said. "That is why I am bringing forward his name to serve as New Hampshire's director of homeland security and emergency management."

Pope has served as the City of Concord's fire chief and emergency management coordinator since March 2002. As a member of the Concord Fire Department since 1977, he has held a number of positions including firefighter/paramedic, division commander, battalion chief and special projects coordinator.

Pope recently received a master's degree in National Security Studies, with a focus in homeland security and defense, from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He has a bachelor's degree in public safety administration from Granite State College.

"I believe Chris Pope will be an asset to New Hampshire's efforts to plan for and respond to all emergencies, manmade or natural. I look forward to working closely with him," Commissioner Flynn said.

"I am honored that Gov. Lynch and Commissioner Flynn have nominated me to the Executive Council for consideration, and I look forward to meeting with the executive councilors," Chief Pope said.

Gov. Lynch last week signed House Bill 1697, which creates the position of director of homeland security and emergency management. Under the new law, the commissioner nominates the director, after consultation with the governor. The director of homeland security and emergency management will serve at the pleasure of the governor.

The director of homeland security and emergency management will oversee state-level planning, exercises and responses to terrorist threats and incidents, as well natural and human-caused disaster. The director shall serve as the state's primary contact with the federal Department of Homeland Security. Under the law, he will coordinate and collaborate with other state agencies to respond to disasters including epidemics and threats to public health.

"Our state's emergency management team, under the leadership of Bruce Cheney, has built a strong foundation for state emergency preparedness, which was evident during our two recent floods," Gov. Lynch said. "This position will further strengthen our efforts to ensure that all of state government is working together, and with local communities, the private sector and nonprofits, to do everything possible to protect our citizens."