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Hernando Today

Patella is New EM Interim Director

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: June 10, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Mark Tobert, who took over as interim director of the county's Emergency Management Department one month ago, was removed from that position Tuesday.
In his place is Cecilia Patella, the county's hazard mitigation and recovery coordinator.
County Administrator David Hamilton, who announced the change Tuesday, said Patella's experience in education, professional certifications and emergency management are better suited to the responsibilities of interim director.
To ensure continuity of operations, Hamilton also appointed Health and Human Services Director Jean Rags to temporarily oversee the Emergency Management Department until a permanent director is hired.
Hamilton said Tuesday's moves in no way stops the ongoing discussions to fold the Emergency Management Department into the sheriff's department operations.
"I view this change to be in the best interests of Hernando County citizens to provide maximum assurance of the necessary leadership and management skills required for an efficient and effective operation should we face a hurricane threat this summer," Hamilton said.
Hamilton also attributed the staffing adjustments to concerns he had following a mock hurricane drill held last week. During that drill, emergency responders had trouble with computer software programs to be used during an emergency.
"The drill gave me some areas of concern in the overall effectiveness," he said.
To make sure all responders are prepared and to give the software another try, Hamilton has asked that a second hurricane drill take place June 27 to test all systems and response.
He has asked all those involved with the previous drill to return and, this time, Hamilton said he hopes to "get a better comfort level" as the county heads deeper into hurricane season.
Patella has coordinated all aspects of the county's mitigation program, securing more than $2 million in grant funds since 2005. She has 17 years experience in project management, business continuity and disaster recovery in the private and public sectors.
She has also managed the software development that the county will use during an emergency.
"I think we need to put in place some kind of system that allows us to be more familiar with the software," Patella said.
Hamilton said he chose Rags to oversee the department because her department is directly involved with getting people back on their feet. That skill will prove invaluable in the aftermath of a hurricane, he said.
As director of Health and Human Services for nine years, Rags and her staffers assist residents who need access to health programs or who need help with transportation and temporary financial needs.
Rags was tapped by the state and deployed to Mississippi and worked in the Hurricane Katrina aftermath to help coordinate volunteers and donations.
Hamilton said he met with the Emergency Management Department staffers early Tuesday and informed them of the changes.
That department has been without a permanent director since Hamilton fired Tom Leto for questionable management practices and an alleged romantic involvement with his secretary.
Tobert will go back to his previous position as senior emergency management coordinator.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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