Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday named a Department of Public Safety officer as the next director of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.

In an announcement at the agency’s headquarters, Kemp tapped Capt. Chris Stallings to replace the retiring Homer Bryson, who has led the agency since 2016.

Stallings, who became a state trooper in 2008, is currently the Department of Public Safety’s director of dignitary protection, which means he oversees the protection of Kemp, among others. He’s a native of McCaysville.

Stallings takes over while the agency is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the middle of hurricane season.

GEMA was formed in 1981 and was directed by Chattooga County resident and former Sheriff Gary McConnell during the 1990’s.