March 14, 2008

King County names Robin Friedman director of the Office of Emergency Management

Mr. Robin Friedman has been selected to lead King County's emergency management, planning and preparedness as the director of the Office of Emergency Management effective April 7. Mr. Friedman recently served Seattle residents as the Director of Security and Emergency Management for the Seattle Public Utilities.

"Robin is very qualified for this important regional role," said Jim Buck, director, Department of Executive Services. "He is a seasoned professional with the right experience, technical knowledge and management skills to enhance regional preparedness and to lead the County's highly regarded emergency management office. His familiarity with regional emergency management efforts and partners will enable a quick start-up."

Mr. Friedman, employed with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) for the past ten years, directed both the security of SPU's regional water, drainage, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure and emergency management programs since 2003. A graduate the United States Military Academy at West Point, Friedman served 16 years in the United States Army before honorably retiring in 1996. During active duty, Mr. Friedman earned his Masters in Public Administration in 1990.

Jeff Bowers, Acting Director of OEM since last summer, will assist Friedman in the immediate transition and will resume his position as the assistant director for the office.

Information about the Office of Emergency Management can be found online at http://www.metrokc.gov/prepare/.