Marilyn Gally Named Director for Colorado Office of Emergency Management


Gally tours damage in Jamestown during 2013 floods.
Marilyn Gally announced as the new director for the Colorado Office of Emergency Management today. Gally began her career with the State of Colorado more than 19 years ago with the Colorado Department of Transportation. She transferred in August 1999 to the Colorado Office of Emergency Management.

She has served as the State Hazard Mitigation Officer, State Public Assistance Officer, State Individual Assistance Officer, Chief of Mitigation and Recovery, Duty Officer, backup Public Information Officer and most recently as the Acting Emergency Management Director.

Gally was born and raised in upstate New York. After college she migrated to Florida, where she worked various jobs, got married and went to graduate school. Deciding Tallahassee was too hot and humid to settle down permanently, Marilyn and David packed a truck and headed for the beautiful State of Colorado, where they could ski to their hearts’ content. Soon after arriving in 1997, Marilyn started her career in state government.

Gally holds three degrees: a Bachelor’s degree in Geological Science from the State University of New York and Masters degrees in Public Administration (MPA) and Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) from Florida State University.

Fun fact: One of Marilyn’s most interesting jobs was as programs manager for the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was there she learned to handle reptiles (snakes, iguanas, and alligators), arthropods (mostly tarantulas), and birds of prey.


Gally as a Program Manager for the Museum of Discovery and Science in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.