Erdwin R. Olivares Luciano appointed director of COE

Erdwin R. Olivares Luciano has been appointed as the new director of the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center (COE). He succeeds Juan Manuel Méndez, who has transitioned to lead the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (Intrant).

A colonel in the Fire Department and a specialist in disaster preparedness, Olivares Luciano brings extensive experience to the role. He previously served 16 years as the COE's national deputy director and 26 years as its operations chief. His career includes leadership roles within the Dominican Red Cross and the Dominican Civil Defense.

His professional background involves managing crisis operations, urban search and rescue, and inter-institutional coordination. He has participated in international disaster responses, including hurricane relief in Honduras and earthquake responses in Colombia, Haiti, El Salvador, and Ecuador.