Mary Beth Newns, Currituck County Emergency Management Director, was appointed on June 10, 2024, by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to serve on the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC). Newns has worked for Currituck County for 22 years and has served as Emergency Management Director since January 2010.
The State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) acts in an advisory capacity to the North Carolina Secretary of Public Safety and is responsible for protecting the state’s citizens and environment through effective emergency planning and informing the community of chemical hazards. The Commission meets quarterly and includes officials from various state agencies representing emergency management, law enforcement, environmental quality, transportation, emergency medical services, public health, agriculture, education, and others. It is tasked with reviewing the State Homeland Security Strategy to ensure it is aligned with local, state and federal priorities.
Newns will serve as a representative for local government emergency managers.
“I look forward to serving on the Commission and representing Currituck County as well as Emergency Management programs throughout the state,” said Newns.