07:53 AM PDT on Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Associated Press

Michael Brown, the former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has been hired by OnScreen Technologies Inc., a maker of compact displays for emergency first responders.

NBC file photo

Former FEMA Director Michael Brown speaks during a meeting after Hurricane Katrina.

OnScreen, an 8-year-old company that relocated from Florida to Portland last fall, said Brown was hired to generate sales to government.

The company makes RediAlert, a system of portable, computerized signs that first responders can use to instantaneously direct traffic or display messages to the public about safety concerns in remote locations.

Brown resigned his FEMA job last year in the face of criticism over the agency's sluggish response to Hurricane Katrina.

"Browns background and expertise of successfully handling four of the most severe hurricanes in Florida's history, including more than 150 federally declared national disasters, combined with his clear understanding of the critical needs of first responders, makes him a perfect addition to the OnScreen strategic team," Charlie Baker, OnScreen's CEO and president, said in a news release.

Brown's collaboration with OnScreen started earlier this month at the National Hurricane Conference in Orlando. Brown stood in front of the company's booth, talking about his work with OnScreen and praising its RediAlert product.

Brown signed a two-year contract calling for him to devote 50 percent to 75 percent of his time to OnScreen, helping it strategize about uses for its products and potential customers.

Brown told The Oregonian newspaper that he sees his work for OnScreen as a way to help the police and fire officials who are first to respond to disasters, manmade and natural.

"I want to help OnScreen open doors," Brown said