GlobalOptions Group tells Zalud’s Blog that James Lee Witt, Chief Executive Officer of the company’s James Lee Witt Associates unit, will receive the Clara Barton Distinguished Humanitarian Award from the American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas in a ceremony today in Little Rock, Arkansas.

“It is so appropriate for James Lee to be recognized for all of his hard work in trying to create a safer, better prepared place for all of us to live,” said Dr. Harvey Schiller, Chairman, GlobalOptions Group. “He is a true hero among us and is very deserving of this honor. I applaud the Red Cross for acknowledging his accomplishments.”

Witt will be recognized for his contribution to preparedness and safety, which includes his tenure as Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during the Clinton Administration, where he is largely credited with turning it into a widely respected agency with a sterling reputation.

"We are thrilled to honor someone with James Lee's involvement with crisis management and preparedness," said Larry Choate, Arkansas Hero chairman and CEO of Arvest Bank Little Rock. "His experience and knowledge correlates with the mission of the Red Cross - to not only ready individuals to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies and their aftermath - but to make business owners much more aware of the importance of business contingency planning and execution for the unexpected."

Along with being recognized for this award, Mr. Witt continues to be involved in Arkansas with his many public service projects, including working with Arkansas Tech University to enhance its Emergency Administration and Management Academy and sponsoring scholarships for students in the program.