The Department of Public Safety has selected long time public servant Jay Kimbrough to serve as the Assistant Director for Homeland Security. Kimbrough led the Texas Homeland Security office, which he helped establish, in 2004. In 2009, the Office of Homeland Security was transferred from the Office of the Governor to the Department of Public Safety. Kimbrough will be responsible for the day to day operations within the Homeland Security office.

He has an extensive and distinguished public service career, including decorated Vietnam War veteran of the United State Marine Corps, county attorney, assistant district attorney, county judge, deputy first assistant attorney general for Texas, and executive leadership positions with a number of state agencies. Kimbrough also has significant executive experience and understands the needs and concerns of local agencies as it relates to homeland security issues.

“Jay Kimbrough brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and insight to the department and will be an invaluable asset to the Homeland Security office,” said Steven C. McCraw, Director of the Department of Public Safety. “As the individual who established the office, Jay Kimbrough has a unique understanding of the processes used by the Department of Homeland Security to allocate grant funds to states and local jurisdictions. He also understands the importance of closely working with local, state and federal agencies to accomplish the homeland security goals of the state, and we are fortunate to have someone with his experience serve in this important role,” said McCraw.