Christina Dayries

Christina Dayries serves as the chief of staff and deputy director of Grants and Administration in the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP). Dayries is responsible for assisting the director in all aspects of preparedness, response, and, recovery in the State. In addition she directs the agency's grants and administration activities in homeland security, recovery, finance, budget, purchasing, human resources, facility management and federal grant compliance sections. She previously served as the deputy director and assistant deputy director of Management, Finance and Interoperability.

Before moving to Management and Finance, Dayries held the section chief position for Communications and Interoperability. She was responsible for establishing the governance structure and policy for the Louisiana Wireless Information Network (LWIN). Dayries was instrumental in establishing the nation's first statewide digital 700 MHz radio systems in the aftermath of Katrina.

Prior to joining GOHSEP in July 2008, Dayries worked as the executive management officer for the Louisiana State Police. Dayries was responsible for overseeing the agency's budget and administration of the state's homeland security grant program for first responders. Dayries was recognized by the Department of Homeland Security for utilizing best practices in developing grant applications related to interoperable communications.

Dayries began her emergency/risk management career with the Calcasieu Parish Policy Jury as an emergency planner/claims adjuster and served in that capacity for eight years. While working with the policy jury, Dayries received training in emergency and risk management and held positions on multiple boards including Southwest Louisiana Mutual Aid Association, Local Emergency Planning Committee and Community Awareness and Emergency Response. She served on committees focusing on public awareness, steering and communications. Dayries was also a member of the Parish Hazmat Team.

Dayries has received the following awards: Southwest Louisiana Mutual Aid-Emergency Responder of the Year, Southwest Louisiana Mutual Aid-Dedication Award, LEPA-Presidents Award, EPA-Quality Recognition, Calcasieu Rotary-Parish Employee of the Year, Louisiana Claims Association-First Certified Claims Professional, Louisiana State Police Superintendent's Award, Professional Excellence Award and Meritorious Service/Unit Citation Award.

Dayries has been known as the "spark plug" for numerous emergency management initiatives throughout her career. She attended McNeese State University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for business management. She is originally from Abbeville and currently resides in Maurice with her husband John, daughter Caitlyn and son Charlie.