Thomas, 57, of Glastonbury has been director of Justice Planning in the Office of Policy and Management since 1998. The office deals with matters affecting the criminal justice system, ranging from homeland security planning, federal grants and hate crimes to prison crowding and probation and parole issues.
The General Assembly passed legislation this year establishing DEMHS as of January 1, 2005, combining and expanding on the responsibilities previously shared between the Office of Emergency Management and the Division of Homeland Security.
"Public safety is the one of the most important missions of government," Gov. Rell said. "Creating a new department allows us to focus on this critical role and launch new efforts to keep our state and its residents even safer. I want a leader who can anticipate hazards and respond to any disaster, natural or man-made. I'm confident Skip Thomas is that leader."
The new commissioner will be responsible for coordinating with state and local governments and private-sector groups to ensure they have the right equipment and do adequate planning and training to meet homeland security needs.
DEMHS is responsible for coordinating homeland security communications systems in the state, and distributing information and security warnings. The agency is also charged with establishing standards and protocols for use of any intelligence information.
Thomas was recommended to the governor by a nine-member search committee that included national experts, state commissioners and local officials. He will serve on an interim basis until his appointment is confirmed by the General Assembly.
