CHARLOTTE – There's a new man leading the North Carolina Division of the FBI. Special Agent in Charge Chris Briese brings a long history to the Charlotte based office, specifically in counter-terrorism and maintaining security for large, special events.

Some say that's a good combination with the Democratic National Convention just 16 months away.

"I sought this position out. This is considered one of, if not the best," said Briese.
Agent Briese's resume is long and distinguished.

"If I had one common them it would be in terrorism," said Briese. "I've been working terrorism before everybody was aware of terrorism."

In 1998, Briese started a joint terrorism task for in Minneapolis. He was named section chief of the counter-terrorism division in 2003. He was named S.A.C. of the Pittsburgh Division in 2005. He was called back to headquarters in 2006, eventually leading the Critical Incident Response Group, or C.I.R.G. Briese also oversaw the unit that was responsible for the interrogation and later prosecution of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

"I had oversight of the unit of C.I.R.G. that helps coordinates all special events around the country," said Briese.

Briese's coordinated C.I.R.G. operations at inaugurations, State of the Union addresses, and national political conventions. That makes his role in Charlotte even more critical.

Briese said the Charlotte FBI office is already preparing for the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Hundreds of additional FBI agents and thousands of other law enforcement officers will be here for the convention.

"I'm responsible for everything that happens in the state of North Carolina as far as the FBI is concerned. We might bring in other guys like me to take over the night shift, but I'm ultimately responsible for the entire FBI presence," said Briese.

Briese admits the convention will be a focal point of his division.

"It's going to play a major role in everything I do in the next year and several months," said Briese. "We're definitely up for the challenge."