Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Contact: Paul Sloca, (573)751-0290
Blunt Nominates Public Safety Director;
Appoints Deputy to Oversee Homeland Security Efforts
JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri Governor Matt Blunt today announced his choices for top security leadership positions in state government. Mark James of Liberty will serve as Public Safety Director and Michael Chapman will serve as the Deputy Director of the department and will oversee the state’s Homeland Security efforts.
Mark James, 48, comes to the position of director of Public Safety with over 26 years of experience in protecting Missourians. For nine years James worked with the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) before starting 17-year tenure with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Currently, James is the special agent in charge of the ATF Bureau for the Kansas City Division which encompasses a four-state area.
Responsible for many safety initiatives and intelligence efforts, James has protected Missourians by enlisting the help of police departments throughout Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. Unafraid to review and rebuild existing departmental infrastructure, James has been responsible for overhauling ATF’s intelligence function and designing the MSHP’s first criminal intelligence unit.
James received a bachelor of science in criminal justice and administration from Central Missouri State University and a master of science in strategic intelligence from the Joint Military Intelligence College of the Department of Defense.
Michael Chapman, 49, is the assistant for homeland defense exercises and plans for the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Chapman brings to Missouri the experience of managing department of defense activities in national-level homeland security and homeland defense operations. His previous experience includes foreign affairs and naval logistics. He has specialized in national security policy since 1995.
Chapman received a bachelor of science in marketing from Virginia Commonwealth University before studying at the John Hopkins University in Washington D.C. and the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. Chapman served for a combined 15 years as an active duty and reserve naval flight officer in the United States Navy.
"Mark James and Michael Chapman bring a wealth of experience in protecting the public from threats both foreign and domestic,” Blunt said. "Missouri is fortunate to have two individuals with such diverse backgrounds in law enforcement and intelligence to lead the Department of Public Safety.”
James’ appointment is subject to senate approval. Chapman’s appointment to the deputy director’s position fulfills a campaign pledge Blunt made to merge Homeland Security functions into the Department of Public Safety.