RALEIGH – Sec. Bryan Beatty today announced Dr. Kenneth B. Taylor has been appointed as the new director of the N.C. Division of Emergency Management in the Department of Crime Control & Public Safety. Taylor is a geologist by profession who worked for the Division from 1994 to 2001.

"Ken’s broad experience in emergency management and his leadership skills will help keep North Carolina at the forefront of the emergency response field," said CCPS Secretary Bryan E. Beatty. "I have great confidence in his ability to continue our tradition of having one of the finest State Emergency Response Teams in the nation."

Since February 2001, Taylor has served as an assistant state geologist and Chief of the N.C. Geological Survey Section. During his years at Emergency Management, he was the earthquake program manager, a hazard mitigation officer, and manager of the risk assessment and training branch. Prior to coming to work for the state, Taylor held various positions in the geological field, including a year as a Congressional Science Fellow in Washington, D.C.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Geology from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1979, his Masters of Science in Geology from the University of South Carolina in 1981, and his Ph.D. in Geophysics and Seismology from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1991.

"Ken is an emergency management professional who already knows our system and the challenges facing our state," said Sec. Beatty. "He’s been there on the front lines of such emergencies as Hurricanes Fran and Floyd, so he understands how important preparedness and quick response are to saving lives and property."

Taylor begins his new job on July 8th.