After starting his public safety career 40 years ago as a deputy at the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office, Claude Craig has worked his way to the top.
Mr. Craig, who has served as director of Whitfield Emergency Services for the past four years, recently earned statewide recognition when he was sworn in as president of the Emergency Management Association of Georgia.
Mr. Craig began his two-year term as chief executive officer of the association after being sworn in at the 56th Annual Business Meeting of EMAG on Nov.
12-13 at the Dillard House in Dillard.
“I’m honored that the members of EMAG have placed their confidence in me to serve as their leader for 2015 and 2016,” Mr. Craig said, “and hope my time in office reflects well on the citizens of Whitfield County.”
During his term, Mr. Craig said he plans to help EMAG continue to serve as an advisory group to GEMA, advance professionalism in emergency management, influence legislation and policy, increase membership, recognize excellence in emergency management, and foster internal and external relationships to achieve desired goals.
EMAG assists its 300 members in their efforts to save lives and protect property from the effects of disasters, provides a forum for professionals to discuss current issues in the emergency management field, and serves as a policy advisory board both to local emergency management agencies and to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.
In his role as president, Mr. Craig will preside at the meetings of the association and the meetings of the Executive Committee, authorize expenditures within the budget appropriations approved by the Executive Committee, present the Executive Committee with proposed programs and expenditures outlined for the year, and perform all of the duties usually performed by presidents of like associations.