Richmond, VA, – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the appointment of Constance McGeorge to serve as the Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator within the Governor’s Office of Commonwealth Preparedness. She succeeds Chris Essid, who has resigned to become Director of the Office of Emergency Communications within the U. S. Department of Homeland Security.

“It is critical that fire, police and other emergency workers have the ability to talk to each other and operate effectively together during emergencies and catastrophic events,” Governor Kaine said.  “We appreciate Chris Essid’s leadership for the past three years and know that Constance McGeorge’s experience will allow the Commonwealth to continue this very important work without interruption.”

Interoperability is the ability of emergency responders, using different communications systems, to speak to one another and share information during emergencies and disasters.

McGeorge has served in the Governor’s Office of Commonwealth Preparedness since 2002, most recently as Statewide Critical Infrastructure Coordinator, and has chaired the National Capital Region’s Critical Infrastructure Working Group.  She has also been a member of the State Interoperability Executive Committee since its creation.  She has a B.A. in foreign languages from Tulane University and an M.B.A. from Auburn University.  She is also a volunteer with the Goochland County Fire and Rescue Department.  Her appointment is effective immediately. Contact: Gordon Hickey                                              Phone: (804)225-4260                                                  Website: www.governor.virginia.gov