New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has recently confirmed that David Dye has been appointed as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM), according to a press release from the New Mexico Office of the Governor.

Dye, who began his new role on May 16, most recently worked at the Santa Fe County Emergency Management office, where he crafted the county’s new emergency operations plan and led a large-scale wildfire exercise.

“David is coming into his new role at a critical time for our state, as wildfires continue to burn and New Mexicans are displaced,” Lujan Grisham said in the release. “He brings with him an incredible wealth of experience, and David is a proven leader who has all the tools necessary to prepare and respond to any emergency our state may face."

Additionally, he operated as the Navy's director of training in Florida from 2019-2020, where he oversaw the Navy's response to hurricanes Dorian and Isaias.

“I am grateful to the governor for this opportunity, and I am ready to hit the ground running to take the lead on the incredible work the state has been doing throughout the wildfire events,” Dye said. “I am honored to join the DHSEM team and look forward to continuing to serve New Mexicans.”

From 2017 to 2019, Dye also served as the director of strategy for U.S. Naval Forces in Europe and Africa.