Emanuel introduces new director of Chicago's OEMC

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has named a new executive director of the Office of Emergency Management and Communication.

Alicia Tate-Nadeau replaces Gary Schenkel, who is resigning after five years.

Emanuel says Tate-Nadeau spent her career as a soldier and in government service. She is a 30-year veteran of the Illinois National Guard and was the first woman to obtain the rank of brigadeer general in the Illinois National Guard, Emanuel said. Tate-Nadeau served in Iraq and was awarded the Bronze Star, Emanuel said. Before coming to Chicago, Tate-Nadeau served in the Department of Defense helping states improve their responses to hazardous materials, Emanuel said.

Emanuel said Tate-Nadeau arrived in Chicago just after being tasked by FEMA to lead the response to the water crisis in Flint, Mich.

"Our safety for our citizens and their security requires cooperation and coordination," Emanuel said.

"I'm very fortunate to be walking into a job where there's been outstanding leadership," said Tate-Nadeau.

Retiring OEMC boss Gary Shenkel informed the mayor of his plan to resign last year before new complaints about inadequate responses to some 911 service calls.

"Ten years without a vacation or some time off was beginning to wear on me," Shenkel said.