MONTGOMERY- Alabama Homeland Security Director Jim Walker has been nominated and elected by his colleagues across the country to serve on the Executive Leadership Council representing state homeland security advisors nationwide. The new 2008-2009 Executive Leadership Council was announced by the National Governors Association.

“I am honored to serve Alabama and represent my peers around the country in this capacity,” Director Walker said. “With upcoming changes in national leadership, this is an important opportunity to lend Alabama’s voice to the homeland security dialogue shaping our state and the rest of the country.”

Governor Bob Riley said, “Jim Walker’s election to this post is another example of a member of my Cabinet being recognized as a national leader in their field. As thousands of first responders across Alabama already know, Jim Walker is one of the most visionary and talented homeland security leaders in America today.”

Director Walker is one of only eight members elected to serve on the Executive Council, and the only elected council member representing a southern state. The other council members represent the following states: Washington, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Nebraska, Michigan, and West Virginia.

The Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council (GHSAC) was created by the National Governors Association in 2006. The GHSAC represents all 56 state and territorial homeland security advisors. They develop and shape policies regarding border security, immigration, planning and preparedness, funding, infrastructure protection, and interoperable communications.

More information can be found at NGA Center for Best Practices.

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