Holiday Elected Vice-President Of Homeland Security Committee

Harrodsburg Resident Will Assume Committee Presidency In 2020

John Holiday, Kentucky’s Homeland Security Advisor since 2016, has been elected to serve as vice-president of the National Governors Association’s Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council Executive Committee. As vice-president, Holiday will automatically become president of the advisory council in 2020.

“It is humbling to be selected by the nation’s homeland security advisors to affect change that positively impacts all citizens,” said Holiday, who grew up and still resides in Harrodsburg. “It is also an honor to be of service to the National Governors Association and the Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council Executive Committee.”

The National Governors Association formed the advisory council to provide homeland security advisors across the country a forum to discuss homeland security issues, exchange best practices and advise the nation’s governors on homeland security matters.

The advisory council’s key objectives include improving communication across interstates and regions, facilitating communication between federal and state entities and advising the National Governors Association on the impacts of federal homeland security legislation, regulations and policies.

“I look forward to collaborating with our nation’s homeland security advisors in our effort to develop effective solutions to complex issues by ensuring we stay ahead of a constantly changing threat and hazard landscape,” Holiday said.

As executive director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, Holiday is responsible for leading and developing a comprehensive statewide homeland security strategy that coordinates local, state and federal efforts to detect, deter, mitigate and respond to terrorist attacks—including nuclear, biological, chemical, electromagnetic pulse, agro-, eco-, or cyber-terrorism, or any other incidents that affect the security of Kentucky.

“Kentucky is rapidly becoming a national model for innovation, collaboration and efficiency in government operations, including on the homeland security front,” said Gov. Matt Bevin. “Director Holiday will be a strong asset to the national executive committee, bringing a wealth of expertise and leadership to this role. As our nation faces an ever-evolving threat environment, I am confident that he will help lead this group in leveraging synergy among states to implement strategic prioritization, planning and problem solving.”

To learn more, check out this week’s issue of the Harrodsburg Herald.