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Secretary Chertoff Announces New Members of the State and Local Officials Senior Advisory Committee

Release Date: 12/13/05 00:00:00

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
December 12, 2005

WASHINGTON – Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff today announced the appointment of Mayor Beverly O’Neill of Long Beach, California, and Principal Chief Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to serve on the State and Local Officials Senior Advisory Committee of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC).

The State and Local Officials Senior Advisory Committee provides the HSAC with advice from experts representing state, local and tribal governments.  The HSAC is comprised of experts from state and local governments, first preventer and responder communities, academia and the private sector, and provides advice and recommendations to Secretary Chertoff on homeland security issues.

“The HSAC is an important partner in providing policy and program counsel to the Department,” said Secretary Chertoff.  “I am pleased to welcome Chief Hicks and Mayor O’Neill, who will bring unique and valuable experience and expertise to our team.”

Principal Chief Michell Hicks of the Qualla Boundary (located in Cherokee, North Carolina) was elected in 2003 to serve as the Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.  Chief Hicks has held various positions with the Tribe including Assistant Business Manager, Finance Officer with Qualla Housing Authority and Executive Director of Budget and Finance.  The community and local economy have thrived during Chief Hicks’ tenure, including road and water infrastructure improvements, health and wellness projects, and conservation and cultural initiatives.

Mayor Beverly O’Neill of California is in her 11th year as Mayor of Long Beach after being re-elected for a third four-year term.  Mayor O’Neill has been a major force in transforming the Long Beach economy into a diversified mix of international trade, tourism, emerging technologies, and expanding retail.  This past June, she was inaugurated as the 63rd President of the United States Conference of Mayors.  Mayor O’Neill will serve as the Conference of Mayors representative on the State and Local Officials Senior Advisory Committee.  The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of the nation’s 1,183 U.S. cities with populations of 30,000 or more.

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This page was last reviewed/modified on 12/13/05 00:00:00.