The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency has appointed Kirk Smith as the new Deputy Director of its Homeland Security Division.

Smith most recently served as GEMA/HS Homeland Security Operations Manager. In his new role, he will oversee Homeland Security Operations, Intelligence, and Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources, helping coordinate statewide efforts to strengthen preparedness, security and resilience.

Before joining GEMA/HS, Smith spent nearly 18 years as a Special Agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, where he served in several roles, including field agent, child abuse specialist, crime scene specialist and field training agent. He also served as a civilian law enforcement advisor with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2012.

GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb praised Smith’s leadership and experience, saying his commitment to preparedness and coordination will help strengthen the agency’s mission of protecting Georgia communities from natural disasters, terrorism and other emergencies.

As part of the Governor’s Office, GEMA/HS works with local, state and federal partners to coordinate disaster response, emergency preparedness and homeland security efforts throughout Georgia.