TSA names new deputy chief

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Transportation Security Administration has named John Halinski, a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and eight-year veteran of the TSA, as its new deputy administrator, according to a news release from the agency.

Halinski currently serves as TSA's assistant administrator for the Office of Global Strategies (OGS). He will assume his new post on July 1, according to the release.

Since joining the TSA in 2004, Halinski has also served as deputy assistant administrator for the OGS; area manager for Europe; and as TSA representative covering 38 countries. He also served as the Department of Homeland Security lead for the 2006 Olympics and the DHS lead for the evacuation of Americans from Lebanon.

TSA Administrator John Pistole called Halinski "a strong leader" and "an innovator ... who understands the critical importance of our security mission." Pistole continued: "John’s military background, his deep insight into intelligence matters and his ability to build a diverse team will strengthen our capabilities."

Halinski will replace Gale Rossides, who in May announced her retirement after more than 34 years of public service.

According to the TSA, Halinski holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida and a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence from the Defense Intelligence College in Washington, D.C. He is a graduate of the TSA Senior Leadership Development Program and a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, Va.