Colonel Michael J. Glisson has been chosen as the new director of the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff, according to a press release sent out Monday by Gov. Bruce Rauner’s press office. Major General Richard J. Hayes Jr. appointed Glisson to his new position, which will also promote him to the rank of brigadier general.

The director of the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff oversees preparations for any domestic emergency situations the state could face.

“I’m looking forward to working as a team with leaders both within the Illinois National Guard and outside our ranks,” Glisson said in the press release. “I’m confident that by working as a team we can overcome any obstacles and protect our state and defend our nation.”

Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Director Brad Leighton said Glisson’s past work makes him an especially qualified candidate for the position.

“Colonel Glisson has a very strong joint background both here in Illinois and overseas,” Leighton said.

Glisson has previously been deployed to Afghanistan as director of Afghan National Security Forces Development for Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VII. He also contributed to the planning of the 2012 NATO Summit Chicago.

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