Oklahoma City, Okla. - The Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism (MIPT) announces that Dennis Schrader, president of DRS International, LLC has joined MIPT’s Board of Directors.

“Dennis Schrader is a forward thinking leader and consummate professional,” said MIPT’s Executive Director David Cid.  “While Deputy Administrator of the National Preparedness Directorate at the Federal Emergency Management Agency he was first to recognize our potential as a training and professional development center and provided vital support for our transformation. We are most fortunate to have his continuing guidance as a member of the Board of Directors.”

"The nation must never forget the events of April 19, 1995 in Oklahoma City and the other terror activities that our nation experienced leading up to and including 9/11,” said Schrader. “The Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism has played an important role in that remembrance and is a national resource for ‘the training and professional development’ of those who follow us. It is a privilege to have an opportunity to serve on this Board."

Prior to launching his company DRS International, LLC in 2009, Schrader served at FEMA as Deputy Administrator of the National Preparedness Directorate.  In that capacity, he oversaw the coordination and development of resources and tools needed to prepare for all hazards scenarios, including acts of terrorism. These included strategy, policy and planning guidance to build prevention, protection and recovery capabilities.

Prior to this assignment, Schrader served as Maryland’s first Director of Homeland Security where he is credited with the establishment of the office, as well as introducing efforts to improve public safety communications and advance information sharing abilities within the state. Interagency successes include Maryland’s Information-sharing Fusion Center and improvements to the Hazardous Materials Commercial Driver’s License program.

MIPT is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security training center in Oklahoma City dedicated to improving the policing and intelligence skills of the 850,000 uniformed officers in the United States.  We support this training through analysis and information sharing with a mission to enhance the public safety.

Media Contact:  Tamara Pratt Phone: 405-278-6307 or 405-760-2216