Governor Perdue Appoints Sherberger as New GEMA Director

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue today appointed Mike Sherberger to serve as Director of Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA).

"I have great confidence that Mike Sherberger will be a tireless and effective leader of GEMA. Protecting the lives of Georgians and responding to the disasters that affect so many of our fellow citizens is a task that GEMA will carry out with dedication and care with Mike at the helm," Perdue said.

Perdue made the announcement after accepting the resignation of GEMA Director Gary McConnell.

Sherberger most recently served as Senior Advisor for Homeland Security at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta and was the former assistant GEMA director.

In addition, the Governor accepted the resignation of Yvonne L. McBride, Director, Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

The Governor remains engaged in the ongoing process of reviewing the status of various agency positions. All Department heads are asked to continue their service until the review process is complete.

Attached is a brief biography of Mike Sherberger.

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Biography of Mike Sherberger

Mike Sherberger is currently the Senior Advisor for Homeland Security at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. He has served in this position since December 15, 2002. Prior to joining the CDC, Sherberger was the Assistant Director for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency for 13 years. He is also an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Georgia State University and a consultant for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Domestic Preparedness. He has 30 years of experience in public safety.

Sherberger is a 1971 graduate of the University of Georgia with a B.A. in Economics. He obtained a Masters in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University in 1975 and has additional coursework in criminal justice from Tulane University.

Sherberger has been married for 28 years to Esther Ann Sherberger. They have two daughters, Ann and Beth, who attend Georgia State University and North Georgia College respectively. They reside in Chamblee and attend Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Atlanta.