FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear announced the pending retirement of Michael Dossett, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM), after a career of over 44 years in public service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Louisville Metro Government.
“Director Dossett is an MVP on Team Kentucky. We are so fortunate to have had his leadership during this once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, as well as the many natural disasters our state has faced over the same time period,” said Gov. Beshear. “That’s in addition to his 42 years of service to Kentuckians before COVID-19 struck, which prepared him to be the leader we needed at this moment. Director, thank you.”
Director Dossett has worked under four consecutive governors and held senior advisor positions for the last 16 years in state government. His leadership positions included deputy commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) (2004-2008) and KYEM director (2014-2021). Previously, Director Dossett served with the Louisville Metro Police Department for 28 years, retiring as assistant chief of police.
During his tenure at DJJ, Director Dossett led an agency reorganization marked by technology upgrades and the adoption of a statewide substance abuse prevention program for adolescents.
Director Dossett began his career with Kentucky Emergency Management in 2009 as a regional response manager and continued service as the division logistics chief in 2011. Director Dossett also served as the private-sector program coordinator, and in this position, he developed a nationally recognized best practice model for the integration of public-private partnerships and alliances in disaster response. In 2015, Director Dossett received the first National InfraGard Award for Public-Private Sector Innovation in Washington, D.C.
After his appointment as KYEM director in 2014, Director Dossett oversaw a reorganization that placed the agency at the forefront of technology innovation, developing applications and initiatives cited as best practices by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), the DHS Science & Technology Directorate and private sector organizations.
Director Dossett has served in numerous capacities with NEMA, including co-chair of the Resilience Committee and as a past chair of the Technology Subcommittee. He also serves as a member of the NEMA Homeland Security Committee, Legislative Committee and as a member of the DHS State and Local Intelligence Council.
“I’ll miss the challenges and rewards of helping others, but look forward to the next chapter working to assist an expanded EM audience,” said Director Dossett.
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