Fallin names Kim Edd Carter to Homeland Security post

CapitolBeatOK Staff Report

Published 10-Feb-2011

Governor Mary Fallin
today (Thursday, February 10) announced she has selected Kim Edd Carter to serve as director of the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security.

Carter, a veteran of law enforcement with more than 32 years of experience, will replace Kerry Pettingill as director. Carter currently serves as fusion center coordinator and program manager for information sharing at the department. 

“Protecting Oklahoma and its citizens is the chief priority of any governor and something I take very seriously,” Fallin said. “Kim Carter brings with him a lifetime of law-enforcement experience and will be a great help as we work to ensure our state is kept safe from homeland security threats. I’m glad to have Kim Carter serve in my administration.”

Pettingill, who currently serves as chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, praised Fallin’s selection of Carter.

“I’ve had the privilege to know and work with Kim for many years. He’s a man of high integrity, well respected and an all-around true professional,” Pettingill said. “He will serve Governor Fallin and the people of Oklahoma well, just as he has for the past 32 years.” 

Before joining the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security in 2007, Carter spent 26 years with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.  During his tenure at OSBI, he achieved the rank of assistant director of the investigative division where he managed more than 100 employees, including law enforcement officers and civilian employees. Prior to joining OSBI, Carter was a patrol officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department.

“I am honored Governor Fallin has selected me to serve in her administration,” Carter said. “I look forward to working with the governor to ensure our state and our citizens are protected from any and all homeland security threats.”

Carter is a graduate of Maysville High School and has a bachelor’s degree in news and public affairs and a master’s degree in natural and applied sciences, both from Oklahoma State University.