DHS names assistant secretary for intergovernmental programs

Homeland Security Department Secretary Michael Chertoff announced today the appointment of Anne Petera as assistant secretary for intergovernmental programs.

Petera joined the department last year as senior adviser to the undersecretary for management after 10 years of service to Virginia as director of administration in the Office of the Attorney General, secretary of the commonwealth in former Gov. James Gilmore's Cabinet and chairman of Virginia's Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. She brought more than 20 years of private-sector experience in banking and real estate to those duties.

The Office of Intergovernmental Programs is established within the National Protection and Programs Directorate. The office will comprise elements of the previous Office of State and Local Coordination and will continue to serve as Chertoff's conduit for coordinating with state and local governments.