Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy announced Monday she has selected Lowell Porter to lead the Department of Emergency Management.

Porter succeeds Steve Bailey, who retired in December after a career in fire fighting and emergency management.

“Lowell Porter has dedicated his career to improving public safety,” said McCarthy. “He has an outstanding record of executive leadership, strategic planning and building partnerships. He is a great choice to lead our Emergency Management staff, who work hard to make sure we are prepared for the worst.”

Porter started as a cadet with the Washington State Patrol in 1980, and finished his career in uniform as chief of the state’s largest public safety agency in 2005. He served as the governor’s appointed director of the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission from 2005 to 2012. He has spent the past 13 months as coordinator of the National Law Enforcement Liaison Program, which supports innovative traffic safety initiatives around the country. Porter earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from City University and a Master of Arts in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University. He also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

“I look forward to joining an emergency management team with an excellent reputation as a leader in this important field of public safety, and one that has prepared Pierce County well to respond to emergencies and disasters,” said Porter.

Porter’s appointment is subject to confirmation by Pierce County Council. He is expected to start work on Mon., May 13.