Rodriguez to Step Down as Homeland Security Director

On May 30, 2017

Dr. Christopher Rodriguez, director of New Jersey’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP), will be stepping down from his post to assume a role in the private sector, Governor Christie announced today. Jared Maples, OHSP’s director of administration, will become Acting Director effective June 5.

Governor Christie appointed Dr. Rodriguez as OHSP Director in July 2014. Dr. Rodriguez previously served 12 years in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and served in Iraq in 2006-07.

“I would like to thank Chris for his commitment to public service and tremendous leadership for New Jersey in ensuring that our state and its citizens are safe and secure,” said Governor Christie. “I am proud to name Jared Maples as our Acting Director of Homeland Security, and I am confident the Office will continue to grow under his leadership.”

“I would like to thank the Governor for the opportunity to serve my home state,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “I’ve known Jared for years working in the CIA and he is best positioned to continue the vital mission of OHSP. Jared is a true professional and I wish him all the best in his new role.”

Jared Maples joined OHSP in January 2016, leading the Division of Administration, which encompasses all information security, human resources, and financial activities for the Office, including oversight of millions of dollars in federal homeland security grant funding. Prior to OHSP, Maples spent over a decade in the CIA in a variety of leadership roles.

“Director Rodriguez has been an outstanding leader for this office and for the people of New Jersey,” said Maples. “I’d like to thank the Governor for the opportunity to continue what he started.”

A seasoned intelligence officer, Maples’ career has focused on executive strategy development and execution, organizational and operational change management, emergency operations response, internal security investigations, and personnel protection in high-threat environments.

Maples holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Georgetown University, a Bachelor’s degree from Villanova University, and an Associate’s degree from Valley Forge Military College.

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