April 21, 2008

President George W. Bush announced the selection of Retired Marine Corps Reserve Major General Doug O’Dell as Gulf Coast Coordinator on April 18. The President established the position in 2005; O’Dell succeeds Donald Powell. O’Dell will continue the Administration’s efforts to rebuild the Gulf Coast Region following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He served as commanding General of the 4th Marine Division, headquartered in New Orleans, when Hurricane Katrina made landfall and led rescue, evacuation, and assistance efforts by 2,700 Marines and Sailors.