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IEM Leadership

TEAM IEM

Jay Mitchell

Senior Advisor for Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Jay Mitchell brings over 30 years of extensive experience in military and civilian security. His career is distinguished by leadership roles within the domestic and international intelligence community and commanding units of varying sizes, including specialized teams and larger units operating internationally.

In 2014, Jay was appointed by the Governor of New Mexico as the Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He also served as the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor in this pivotal role. His responsibilities included coordinating the State’s response to emergencies, disasters, and acts or threats of terrorism. As Secretary, he successfully merged homeland security and emergency management functions, enhancing the State’s preparedness, mitigation, prevention, protection, response, and recovery capabilities. Jay’s leadership in law enforcement counterterrorism and his direction over the State’s intelligence fusion center were instrumental in safeguarding the lives and property in New Mexico.

His significant involvement in various national organizations further marks Jay’s career. He served as the Regional Vice President of the National Emergency Management Association, representing Region 6. He was also a member of the Region 6 Regional Advisory Committee. Additionally, he contributed to the Executive Committee of the National Governor’s Association Governor’s Homeland Security Advisors Committee. His expertise in emergency management was recognized through his role as an Emergency Management Accreditation Program Commissioner and his service on the Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis, State and Local Intelligence Council.

Jay’s career path included diverse leadership positions before his senior roles in homeland security and emergency management. His experience spans from commanding a large staff unit on foreign soil to managing a state agency with an annual budget exceeding $100 million. His professional journey demonstrates a unique blend of strategic planning, resource management, and human capital management, contributing to his recognition for leading change and building productive teams.

Jay has a master’s degree from Henderson State University and a bachelor’s from Arkansas Tech. His career, marked by awards like the Bronze Star Medal and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, highlights his commitment to excellence in developing policy, spearheading training, and providing executive advice in critical, high-paced environments. Jay’s extensive intelligence, emergency management, and homeland security background make him an invaluable asset to enhance public safety and security.

 

Jay Mitchell

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