Gov. Phil Bryant announced Monday that Michel, the former commander at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Hattiesburg, had been appointed director of the state’s primary emergency responder agency. The governor announced that Michel would take over his duties immediately in a press release. “Col. Bryant stated that Michel brings a wealth experience to MEMA as they enter the heart of hurricane season. He served the people of Mississippi well for nearly three decades as a member our National Guard, protecting our freedoms and ensuring our national security both at home and abroad. He will continue his service in this new role and I am pleased that he accepted the appointment. Michel enlisted in National Guard in McComb in 1988 and served many roles including active duty in Iraq with 155th Infantry Battalion. Last month, Lee Smithson quit as MEMA director citing alcoholism as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. J.W. Ledbetter was the governor’s senior criminal policy advisor. He had been acting as interim director. Michel, who now lives in Ridgeland, said that he was humbled and honored by the Governor Bryant’s assignment as the director of Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. “I love Mississippi and all the people who make it what it is. Mississippi is my home. “It is a significant responsibility to ensure their safety during times of emergency. I don’t take this responsibility lightly. “I am proud to represent Mississippi in this capacity and look forward working with the great team at MEMA.” MEMA’s current fiscal year budget is $3.7 million. This represents an 18.9 percent increase over the budget the Legislature had for the previous year.