ATLANTA — A key member of Georgia's coronavirus response team is stepping away and a new one is stepping in.
Governor Brian Kemp announced that Georgia Emergency Management Agency director Homer Bryson is retiring.
According to the state's website, he's led the agency since December of 2016.
"Homer's impact on our state has been truly impossibly to quantify," Kemp said during a Tuesday morning press conference. "Homer is viewed as an effective and trustworthy health safety expert."
Bryson said that his time spent at GEMA is truly the "crowning jewel" of his career. He said he was planning to retire a few years ago - but decided to stay once Kemp became the governor.
Bryson noted that his keys to success were to return phone calls and make a friend every chance you can get.
Gov. Kemp announced Chris Stallings would be replacing Bryson as the director.
"I have full confidence in Chris," Kemp said.
According to the governor's office, Stallings comes to GEMA from the Georgia State Patrol, where he began his career in 2008 as a state trooper. He most recently served as the head of the Dignitary Protection Unit, according to officials.
In a statement, Stallings said he was "honored" to assume the new role.
“It’s humbling to be entrusted with this responsibility by the Governor, and I am looking forward to continuing the Agency’s legacy of protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Georgia," he said. “There are many challenges we continue to face with COVID-19, all while dealing with hurricane season and other threats ... It’s a privilege to lead an experienced team that’s dedicated to ensuring Georgia has the resources needed to be prepared for any disaster, and win the fight against COVID-19.”
Kemp also named Mike Smith, who previously served as the Deputy Director of the Georgia Emergency Communications Authority, as the new GEMA Chief of Staff.