The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) has announced the appointment of Gary Lewis as the new Executive Director of Public Safety and Preparedness. With over two decades of experience in public safety, Lewis will oversee the security operations across all CSM campuses, ensuring the safety of students, faculty, and staff.
Gary Lewis, a resident of Indian Head, has joined CSM following a rich career in emergency management and law enforcement. His previous roles include positions with the Charles County Government Department of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Before his transition into emergency management, Lewis served as a police officer with the Florence Police Department in Arizona and also engaged in community service as a city councilman in Coolidge, Arizona.
Reflecting on his new role, Lewis expressed enthusiasm about joining the CSM team. “Joining the CSM community has been an experience I have not had before,” he stated. “The faculty and leadership have been beyond welcoming. I am happy my path has brought me to CSM, and I am looking forward to growing with all the Hawks!”
Dr. Bill Comey, CSM’s Vice President of Operations and Planning, shared his confidence in Lewis’s appointment, citing his extensive background as a valuable asset to the college. “We are extremely fortunate to have Gary leading the CSM public safety team,” Comey remarked. “His extensive public safety background and experience will serve the CSM community well in times of emergency and severe weather.”
Lewis holds a Master of Science degree in Emergency Management from Arizona State University and two Bachelor of Science degrees from Northern Arizona University, one in Emergency Management and another in Justice Administration.
Aside from his professional pursuits, Lewis is a family man, married for over 25 years with four sons ranging in age from 13 to 24. His personal interests include watching football and baseball, with a particular fondness for the Arizona Cardinals and the Phoenix Suns.
In his role at CSM, Lewis is responsible for a team of 15 public safety employees spread across the college’s campuses in Hughesville, La Plata, Leonardtown, and Prince Frederick. His leadership is expected to enhance the safety protocols and preparedness initiatives at the college, contributing to a secure and supportive environment for the entire CSM community.