Joseph Romm (politician)
Joseph Romm (November 2, 1920 – April 18, 2008) was an American diplomat, lawyer, and public official, who served as third director of the Office of Civil Defense during the Cold War, and was one of the founders of what is now the National Military Command Center.
Early life
Joseph Romm was born on November 2, 1920 in New York City. In 1940, he graduated from City College of New York with majors in mathematics and biology. Romm went on to attend American University, where he received a master's degree in economics.
World War II service
Romm enlisted in the United States Army during World War II, and was stationed in the European Theater of Operations as part of the Army Signal Intelligence Division.
Public service
After serving in the Army, including working in the office of the Quartermaster General, Romm transferred to the United States Department of Defense in 1951. He served as staff director for Vulnerability Analysis in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Installations and Logistics. In his role, he was responsible for assessing the effects of possible attacks on U.S. industrial resources. During his time with the department, he was one of the founders of the Defense Department Assessment Center (what is now the National Military Command Center).
From 1961 to 1967, Romm served as Assistant Director for Plans and Programs at the Department of Defense, serving as the deputy director of civil defense under William P. Durkee. After Durkee's resignation in 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Romm as the third director of the Office of Civil Defense. In 1967, Romm presented to the Governor's Civil Defense Conference for Business and Industry and the Conference on Emergency Planning, in addition to various state legislatures. During his tenure, the Office of Emergency Preparedness was established to succeed the Office of Emergency Planning.
He served in the post until January 1969 when Johnson left office.
Death
Romm died on April 18, 2008 at the age of 87.
Works
- Background of Civil Defense and Current Damage Limiting Studies, 1966