Ohio Emergency Management Agency gets new director

COLUMBUS (AP) — The state agency that coordinates Ohio’s response to emergencies is getting a new leader.

Evan Schumann was named executive director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency today. He replaces Sima Merick who has been interim director since December.

Schumann is currently the program manager for Ohio Task Force 1, a state search-and-rescue task force stationed in Dayton.

The Ohio Department of Public Safety said in a statement announcing Schumann’s appointment that under his leadership with the task force, personnel have responded to disasters that include hurricanes Katrina and Sandy and mudslides in Washington.

Among his duties as director, Schumann will help implement a state effort to provide basic life needs for people impacted by a disaster within four hours and sustainable for 72 hours.