A Hall County man has been named to replace Jim Butterworth as head of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.
Homer Bryson of Flowery Branch has served as the commissioner of the state Department of Corrections for the past 20 months. Prior to this role, he was the deputy commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources for four years. Bryson previously served as a colonel in the DNR law enforcement division, working his way up from conservation ranger.
“I would like to thank Jim Butterworth for his extensive service, first as a floor leader at the beginning of my administration through his time leading the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency," Gov. Nathan Deal said in making the announcement Monday. "Under Jim’s leadership as adjunct general, the Georgia National Guard was recognized as the nation’s No. 1 army guard unit in 2013. I wish him the best in his future endeavors as he moves to the private sector. Further, I am confident in the abilities of Commissioner Bryson." to be an effective leader in his new role in state government.
Butterworth, who is leaving GEMA Dec. 1, is from Habersham County.
Bryson will be succeeded as head of the state Department of Corrections by Greg Dozier of Covington, who has been serving as the department's assistant commissioner, chief of staff since October 2012.
