Gov. Brian Kemp has selected the next person who will head Georgia’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.
Kemp announced on Wednesday, Feb. 12, the appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Josh Lamb as the new director.
Lamb will assume the role following the departure of former director Chris Stallings.
“I’m honored to welcome Lt. Col. Lamb to GEMA and thank him for stepping into this important leadership role that is critical to the safety and recovery of Georgia’s communities, especially as we continue to rebuild from Hurricane Helene and other storms,” Kemp said. “I know Lt. Col. Lamb is committed to that mission and will provide the leadership necessary to ensure our state is prepared to respond to disaster and proactively keep Georgians safe. Marty, the girls, and I also want to thank Mike Smith for his service during this recent transitional period and for his continued leadership as GEMA chief of staff.”
Lamb currently serves as the Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Public Safety, overseeing key areas such as the Office of Professional Standards, Human Resources Division, Public Information Office, Office of Public Safety Support and Legislative Affairs. He was appointed to this role in 2023 following his tenure as the director of administrative services.
Lamb began his law enforcement career in 1996 as a special agent with the Tri-Circuit Drug Task Force after earning a bachelor’s degree in justice studies from Georgia Southern University.
He joined the Georgia State Patrol in 1998 and graduated from the 74th Trooper School. Over the years, he has served in various leadership positions, including as a corporal, sergeant and sergeant first class at multiple posts across the state. Lamb also spent eight years as a member of Georgia’s SWAT team and later took on roles in planning and research, developing departmental policies, and organizing events such as the 2018 National College Championship Game and Super Bowl LIII.
Lamb’s extensive experience also includes serving as director of training, SWAT team commander, executive officer to the deputy commissioner, chief of staff, and director of administrative services. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Columbus State University and attended the prestigious 259th Session of the FBI National Academy, where he was one of only two individuals from Georgia chosen to serve as class spokesperson.
Other leadership credentials include serving as an FBI executive fellow and participation in the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Chief Executive Training Course. Most recently, he led the 31st Georgia Law Enforcement Delegation to Israel.
As the new GEMA/HS director, Lamb is expected to leverage his experience in law enforcement and emergency response to ensure Georgia remains prepared for any disaster or security threat. His appointment underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to proactive emergency management and public safety measures.
