Austin Homeland Security and Emergency Management appoints new director

Juan Ortiz, director of the Austin office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, will step down from his role, and effective June 19, Ken Snipes, director of Austin Resource Recovery, will take over the position.

Ortiz served as HSEM director in Austin for over six years and had over 29 years in the emergency management field.

“I am honored to have served our community for the last six years,” Ortiz said in a news release. “I have offered my full support to the incoming department director and to the Austin community to ensure a smooth transition.”

Snipes began as ARR director in 2019. Richard McHale will serve as interim director of the department.

"My goal at [HSEM] is to harness the collective expertise and talent within the team to further elevate our performance and create sustainable programs that prioritize life safety,” Snipes said in a news release. “I firmly believe that by leveraging the power of innovation, teamwork and continuous learning, Austin will establish itself as the leader in the emergency management space.”

HSEM is a department in the city of Austin that plans and prepares for emergencies. For more information, visit www.austintexas.gov.