ATLANTA () — Governor Brian Kemp announced the appointment of the new director of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) on Wednesday.

Lieutenant Colonel Josh Lamb will assume the role of director following the departure of Chris Stallings.

“I’m honored to welcome Lt. Col. Lamb to GEMA/HS and thank him for stepping into this important leadership role that is critical to the safety and recovery of Georgia’s communities, especially as we continue to rebuild from Hurricane Helene and other storms,” Kemp said. “I know Lt. Col. Lamb is committed to that mission and will provide the leadership necessary to ensure our state is prepared to respond to disaster and proactively keep Georgians safe.”

Lamb served as assistant commissioner for the Department of Public Safety and has held various leadership positions within the Georgia State Patrol. He has also served as a SWAT team commander and played a key role in major public safety operations, including the 2018 National College Championship Game and Super Bowl LIII, the GEMA press release said.

The new director is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has a master’s degree in public administration from Columbus State University.

“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with this responsibility of leading GEMA/HS,” said Director Lamb. “Ensuring the safety, preparedness, and resilience of our state is a mission I take seriously. I look forward to working with Governor Kemp, our state and emergency management partners, and the people of Georgia to strengthen our ability to respond to disasters and protect our communities.”

Kemp also thanked Mike Smith, the GEMA/HS chief of staff, for his service during the transitional period.