California OES Deputy Director and DOJ Official Join James Lee Witt Associates
 After years of service in both State and federal government, Mark Ghilarducci and Michael Gaines join James Lee Witt Associates, LLC (JLWA).
In his position as Vice President, Michael Gaines will be managing the new Criminal Justice System Division at JLWA.
Michael Gaines joins JLWA from the U.S. Department of Justice, where he served in a Presidentally appointed position as a Commissioner of the U.S. Parole Commission from 1994 to 2003. As such, Gaines was Chairman of the Commission for four years.
Until May 2001, Gaines also served as an ex-officio Commissioner on the U.S. Sentencing Commission, and as a member of the Board of the National Institute of Corrections.
Mark Ghilarducci will serve as Vice President and director of the Western JLWA office with responsibility for managing projects within the fourteen Western States.
Prior to joining JLWA, Mark Ghilarducci oversaw statewide emergency operations, planning, training, and administration as the Deputy Director of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES). During his tenure, he served as Chair of the State Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) Advisory Committee, and co-chaired both the State Strategic Committee on Terrorism (SSCOT), California's Homeland Security Advisory Committee to the Governor and the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC).
In addition, Mr. Ghilarducci is an appointee to the National US&R Response System Advisory Committee. Mr. Ghilarducci was chosen as one of ten individuals to train mayors and other senior city and state officials in terrorism strategy, preparedness, response and recovery for the U.S. Departments of Defense and Justice under the Nunn-Lugar-Domenici national anti-terrorism programs.
James Lee Witt Associates (JLWA) is a leader in public safety and emergency management consulting. With a multi-faceted range of relevant experience, JLWA is uniquely positioned to help avoid, address or recover from virtually any crisis or conflict. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, and Sacramento, JLWA assists universities, hospitals, non-profits, international organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and local and state governments in preparing for and responding to all hazards. James Lee Witt has more than 25 years of leadership and experience in the field of public safety, including eight years as the Director of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during which he responded to more than 370 disasters in all 50 states. He and his team have unrivaled experience and hands-on knowledge in crisis management and partnership development.
Contact: Barry Scanlon
202-585-0780
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