January 29, 2003 10:45 AM, EST

Security Briefs - Jan. 22-29

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The Latest Headlines:

TSA Adds to Management Team
Hutchinson Begins Work at DHS
Ridge Sworn In as Security Department Chief

TSA Adds to Management Team

The head of the Transportation Security Administration, Transportation Under Secretary Adm. James Loy, announced several additions to the TSA management structure in a Jan. 24 release.

Among the newly appointed officials are:

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Vice Adm. John E. Shkor as associated administrator and chief operating officer

Gale Rossi-dales as associate administrator and chief support systems officer

Carol DiBattiste as chief of staff

Kimberly Walton as ombudsman and

Dr. Cory de Groot Whitehead as the acting associated administrator for training and quality performanceThe release said that the TSA is still working to create a model workforce group to promote increased performance and better management practices. Transport Topics

Hutchinson Begins Work at DHS

Asa Hutchinson, former head of the Drug Enforcement Administration and two-term congressman from Arkansas, has begun work as undersecretary in charge of transportation and border security for the Department of Homeland Security, a department spokesman told Transport Topics.

He was confirmed Jan. 23 by the Senate, several hours after his nomination hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

Hutchinson is one of four DHS undersecretaries. He will have a key role in helping to shape security procedures affecting commercial trucking operations.

"Undersecretary Hutchinson will be responsible for securing the nation's borders, ports, waterways and transportation system," the department said in a release on his confirmation. All of these areas have implications for commercial trucking.

Hutchinson will oversee the functions of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the U.S. Customs Service, the Transportation Security Administration and the Office for Domestic Preparedness, the release added. Transport Topics

Ridge Sworn In as Security Department Chief

In a ceremony Jan. 24, Tom Ridge was sworn in as the 15th member of President Bush's cabinet, officially taking the post of secretary of Homeland Security.

In swearing in Ridge, President Bush said "We've learned that vast oceans no longer protect us from the dangers of a new era," and that the new department would take the battle to America's enemies.

The new Department of Homeland Security combines 22 agencies and 170,000 workers under its umbrella.

"The department will analyze threats; guard our borders and airports; safeguard critical infrastructure and coordinate the response of our nation to future emergencies," Bush said in the ceremony. Transport Topics

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