Leadership Change at DHS

The second in command at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Michael P. Jackson, has announced his resignation effective October 26, citing financial reasons. Jackson, the longest serving deputy secretary at the new-created federal department, served as the chief operating officer for 208,000 workers. Jackson came to DHS in March 2005 after more than two years (2001-2003) as deputy secretary of the Department of Transportation where he helped stand up the new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and managed recovery efforts for the nation’s aviation industry after 9/11. He previously served as chief of staff to the Secretary of Transportation under President George H. W. Bush.  Before he joined DHS, Jackson was senior vice president of AECOM Technology, a management and technical support services company.“Michael will leave this department having made an enduring impact on our homeland security. Our homeland is more secure and better prepared as result of Michael’s tireless service, said Homeland Secretary Michael Chertoff. Several senior DHS officials have been mentioned as possible Jackson replacement.