With a little more than two months left in the 2017 hurricane season, Florida’s emergency management head is leaving his job “to pursue an opportunity in the private sector,” the Governor’s Office announced Tuesday.
Gov. Rick Scott announced Bryan Koon’s resignation as director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM), effective next Sunday.
Koon has served in the position since 2011. Wes Maul, the current chief of staff of the division, will serve as interim Director.
“On Sept. 1, Koon notified Gov. Scott of his intention to resign to pursue an opportunity in the private sector,” said a release from Scott’s office. “The Governor asked him to remain in his position throughout the month of September due to potential hurricanes forming in the Atlantic.”
“Under Bryan’s leadership, Florida has been recognized as a national leader in emergency preparedness,” Scott said in a statement. “Since day one, Bryan has done an excellent job ensuring our state is prepared and able to respond to countless weather events including Hurricanes Hermine, Matthew and Irma.
“I appreciate Bryan’s willingness to stay on as we prepared for, responded to and now recover from Hurricane Irma,” he added. “I wish Bryan and his family the very best in this next chapter of their lives.”
Koon also has was director of emergency management for Walmart Stores, “where he was responsible for the emergency management operations of over 8,500 facilities worldwide,” the release said.
“Koon also served in the White House Military Office where he developed, maintained and implemented high level, classified programs to ensure continuity of government and continuity of operations in the wake of a tactical or natural disaster,” according to the release.
“He also served our nation with distinction as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy, both active duty and in the Navy Reserve.”
Hurricane season ends Nov. 30.
