Maine Emergency Management Director to Step Down in November

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced today long-time Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director, Rob McAleer will step down in November to enjoy retirement and pursue a number of activities put on hold during his tenure at MEMA.

Governor Baldacci on March 15, 2007 initially appointed McAleer and Governor LePage kept him in place as the MEMA Director recognizing McAleer’s professionalism and knowledge of the emergency management system. He presided over 12 Presidentially Declared Major Disasters including the St. Patrick’s Day and Patriots Day Storms in 2007, Aroostook and Penobscot County Flooding and Winter Storms in 2008, Flooding in 2009 and 2010, Tropical Storm Irene in 2010, and a blizzard in 2013.

Director McAleer also served nearly three years as the Co-Chair of the US/Canada International Emergency Mangers Group, Chaired the North American Mutual Aid Working Group for the National Emergency Management Association and was the Chairman of the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisors Council and the State Emergency Response Council. McAleer led the State’s effort to ensure compliance with FCC regulations for modern radios, helped to develop a Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement and helped guide planning and preparation efforts by county agencies faced with diminished funding support. Director McAleer also served as Acting Commissioner of the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management during the selection process that led to the confirmation of Commissioner James Campbell.

“I will miss Rob’s professionalism and excellent leadership while at MEMA. He was a trusted advisor in all areas of emergency management and homeland security,” said Governor LePage. “While I will miss his candid advice, I am pleased that after so many years of service to the state and nation that Rob is finally able to pursue a number of activities that he has put on hold these past years.”

McAleer says, “I have been honored to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of Maine and am extremely appreciative of the support by both the Executive and Legislative branches that our Agency has enjoyed.” “I would also like to publically express my appreciation to the team at MEMA and within emergency management agencies around the State. They are truly the secret to our success as a State.”

Governor LePage has appointed Maine Emergency Management Agency Deputy Director Bruce Fitzgerald as the agency’s acting director, upon Director McAleer’s departure in November.

Fitzgerald, who lives in South China and a veteran of the department, has served as Deputy Director, Acting Director for 6 months in 2012, Homeland Security Grants Manager and Homeland Security Division Director. The International Association of Emergency Management Managers and the Northeast States Emergency Consortium have recognized him.

“With Bruce’s expertise in emergency management and his contacts throughout the Northeast Region, I am confident the agency is in very capable hands,” said LePage. The Governor said he will continue to consider candidates for the permanent director’s position and could introduce the appointment soon.