Reply #26: Man in Charge of Reconstruction Has Little Relevant Experience [View All]

[JPZenger]

Since last October, the Federal official in charge of Katrina rebuilding in the Gulf has been Donald E. Powell. All of his experience has been in banking and banking regulation. He does have the credential of being from rural Texas. He has no experience in relief or physical reconstruction.

Official bio:

Federal Coordinator of Gulf Coast Rebuilding
"Donald E. Powell was named by President Bush as the Federal Coordinator of Gulf Coast Rebuilding on November 1, 2005. He has been tasked with developing a long-term rebuilding plan for the region in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, coordinating the federal efforts and helping state and local officials reach consensus on their vision for the region.

Prior to his new appointment, Mr. Powell served as the 18th Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). He served in that role from the date of his Senate confirmation on August 29, 2001 until November 15, 2005.

In his FDIC role, immediately after the hurricanes hit the Gulf, Chairman Powell took quick and decisive action to assist banks and their communities. The FDIC, working closely with the other banking regulators, helped banks resume operations and provided around-the-clock information to consumers about how to access needed cash. The Chairman visited the area and met with bankers to see firsthand what challenges the Gulf region faces as it begins the rebuilding process.

A life-long Texan, Powell has close to 40 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to becoming FDIC Chairman, Powell was President and CEO of The First National Bank of Amarillo, which he started in 1997"