March 8, 2011

GOV. MALLOY REAPPOINTS PETER BOYNTON TO HEAD DEMHS

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced the re-appointment of Peter Boynton as the Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), the department responsible for disaster response, coordinating planning, equipment, communications, training and counter-terrorism efforts in the state.

"It is a great pleasure to reappoint Peter to lead the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security," said Governor Malloy. "Peter's experience and leadership has served the state well, and I am pleased he has agreed to continue in this capacity. Our highest priority is ensuring the safety of Connecticut residents and protecting our state from disaster. Peter's efforts and commitment, particularly through this relentless winter, have been a critical part of the Department's rapid response and ensuring we do all we can to keep Connecticut safe. This winter alone highlights just how important it is to have emergency services operating smoothly."

"I am honored to be asked to continue to serve the Governor and the residents of Connecticut," said Peter Boynton. "Our job is to protect the citizens of Connecticut from disaster, and when we can't do that, to help them recover as quickly as possible. This is a responsibility that everyone in my department takes very seriously, and I am honored to work with such a dedicated team."

Boynton was appointed by Governor Rell in 2009 after serving for 28 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. While in the Coast Guard, he was responsible for port security, search and rescue and environmental protection in Connecticut. He led the implementation of the post-9/11 maritime security standards in Connecticut and Long Island, and was the on-scene coordinator for the TOPOFF-3 exercise in New London in 2005, the largest terrorism exercise in U.S. history. Boynton was also a director on the White House National Security Council staff and worked at the Department of State coordinating national policy on drug interdiction and migrant smuggling.

Immediately prior to becoming the Commissioner of DEMHS, Boynton was the Federal Security Director for the Transportation Security Administration at Bradley Airport, coordinating passenger and cargo air security. During his tenure, Bradley became one of the top 10 rated TSA operations in the eastern United States.

Boynton serves on the Board of Directors for the Military Officers Association of America and is Chair of the Connecticut Maritime Pilot Commission. He has a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and a Bachelor's Degree in Ocean Engineering from the Coast Guard Academy.

He lives in Madison, Connecticut.

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For Immediate Release: March 8, 2011

Contact: Juliet Manalan

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy