Governor Appoints Homeland Security Advisor 

CHARLESTON, W.Va.- Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today announced the appointment of West Virginia Homeland Security and Emergency Management director Jimmy Gianato to serve as the state’s Homeland Security Advisor.

Gianato becomes the governor’s official counsel on homeland security matters. He also becomes West Virginia’s liaison with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and coordinator of all homeland security activity within the state.

“Jimmy Gianato brings extensive knowledge and a great deal of experience in public safety matters to this very essential role. This is an ideal fit because he is responsible for a range of homeland security issues on a daily basis,” the governor said. “But more importantly, Jimmy is passionate about his work and I am confident that he will bring that same commitment to these new responsibilities.”

Gianato takes on the advisor’s role in addition to his duties as director of the state’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management office. Before stepping into his state government position, Gianato, of McDowell County, W.Va., has spent the majority of his professional career in public safety roles.

“He has a long history working with the law enforcement community, coordinating and implementing strategic plans for emergency responses, along with duties that involve public policy. Jimmy has a broad understanding of how the federal and state governments must interact to maintain public safety.”

“I am truly honored that Governor Tomblin has placed his confidence in me to help move the West Virginia Homeland Security Program to the next level,” Gianato said. “Working as a team with Secretary Joe Thornton and our other partners at the federal, state and local level, I am committed to ensuring that West Virginia will have one of the best programs in the nation to protect our citizens.”

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