VDEM is responsible for disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and works to coordinate efforts to mitigate future incidents. When a disaster occurs, the department coordinates relief assistance with state and federal agencies, local governments and voluntary organizations.
"Michael and Janet have provided tremendous leadership for the Department of Emergency Management," Kaine said. "With their combined experience in emergency and disaster management, the commonwealth will continue to improve and fine-tune its efforts to prepare for emergencies, and to respond and recover quickly from natural or man-made disasters. We learn something new from every disaster or incident we respond to, and Virginians will benefit from this steady, experienced management team at VDEM."
Michael M. Cline of Powhatan will continue to serve as the state coordinator of emergency management for VDEM. Prior to that, Cline served as the deputy state coordinator. Since the beginning of his tenure with VDEM in 1972, Cline has been a member of the State Disaster Response Team on 34 presidentially declared disasters, including Hurricane Isabel and the 2001 attack on the Pentagon. After receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond in 1969, Cline served in the United States Air Force.
Janet L. Clements of Richmond will continue to serve as the chief deputy state coordinator for VDEM. Clements previously served as the agency's public affairs director. She serves as Virginia's emergency management representative on the National Capital Region's Senior Policy Group for Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Clements has responded to 25 presidentially declared disasters since joining VDEM in 1984. She received her undergraduate degree from Longwood University and a masters' degree in education from Virginia Commonwealth University.
