Politics & Government

Morris County Native Tapped as New Jersey's Homeland Security Chief

Dr. Christopher Rodriguez will leave CIA to become Director of Homeland Security for state.

A new director for New Jersey’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP) was named Tuesday by Governor Chris Christie.

Dr. Christopher Rodriguez, who was born and raised in Morris County, was appointed by the governor to replace former chief Edward Dickson, who led the department since February 2002.

Rodriguez has worked for the Central Intelligence Agency in analytical and management positions for more than a decade, serving as a senior analyst in the CIA’s counterterrorism Center. He also served as a policy advisor to Christie’s staff, overseeing OHSP.

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“I am proud to name Dr. Chris Rodriguez as our state’s next Director of Homeland Security and Preparedness, bringing his extensive career experience in the U.S. Intelligence Community and most recently in his role overseeing OHSP in this Administration,” said Governor Christie in a statement. “Given Chris’ stellar qualifications and his commitment to public service, I have no doubt that the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness will continue to grow under Chris’ leadership. I thank him for his willingness to take on this role for the people of New Jersey.  At the same time, I want to thank Edward Dickson for his commitment to service and leadership for New Jersey as he led OHSP through incredibly trying circumstances for our state.”

Rodriguez is scheduled to begin in his new role on Monday, July 28.

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