Steven Woodard, a retired deputy assistant administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has been appointed by Mayor Alvin Brown to lead the Duval County Emergency Management Division.
He was the deputy assistant administrator for the agency's Logistics Management Directorate. He also has served in leadership positions for the agency's Response Directorate and Operations Management Division. He also served in the Secret Service in various capacities.
"Steven brings years of valuable experience to the table from his time at FEMA and the U.S. Secret Service," Brown said in a statement.
Woodard served in leadership roles for more than 60 response operations for national levels disasters and incidents as part of the National Response Coordination Center staff.
His salary will be $120,000.
He replaces Capt. Billy Estep of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, who was serving in an interim capacity until a permanent appointment was made.
Michael Jacobson was the previous director but left the city in March.
Woodard will start immediately but is subject to council approval.
Legislation will be introduced today regarding the appointment.