Brian Combs

Brian Combs has extensive experience in public health and emergency preparedness, currently holding the position of Public Health Preparedness and Response Branch Head and PHEP Director at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services since July 2009. In this role, Brian directs statewide emergency preparedness and response efforts, collaborates with various agencies, and oversees public health emergency response. Previously, Brian served as an Industrial Hygiene Supervisor within the same department and as a Regional Public Health Industrial Hygienist at the Cumberland County Health Department. Brian's career began in the US Army as a Chemical Corps Commissioned Officer, where responsibilities included training personnel in nuclear, biological, and chemical defense. Brian holds a Master’s Degree and a Graduate Certificate in Environmental Assessment from North Carolina State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Western Kentucky University.