The Nevada Supreme Court announced today that James M. Wright has been appointed as the Chief Marshal for the Nevada Appellate Courts, effective March 1.

Under the general direction of Chief Justice James Hardesty, Wright will be responsible for the management and provision of security services for the justices and judges of the Nevada Appellate Courts, Supreme Court employees, members of the public who access the Supreme Court, and the property of the Court.

Wright will also develop, review, and implement security and operational policies; serve as the primary liaison for the Court with federal, state, and local courts and law enforcement agencies; and conduct security, safety, and disaster planning activities, including related budget planning, and developing, implementing, and training various security and safety policies, protocols, and/or procedures for the Supreme Court.

Before joining the courts, Wright was the longest serving Director of the Nevada Department of Public Safety (DPS). Prior to being appointed as the DPS Director in 2013, he served two years as the DPS Deputy Director. He was also previously the Interim Chief of the DPS/Emergency Management Division, where he served as the State Emergency Manager and Governor Sandoval's Homeland Security Advisor. In 2006, Wright served as the Chief of the DPS/State Fire Marshal Division.

Wright holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration from Cogswell Polytechnical College and Associate degrees in Administration of Justice and Fire Sciences. Wright is a veteran who served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.