Homeland Security 'moving rapidly' to fill high-level vacancies

[The Straight Story]

Homeland Security 'moving rapidly' to fill high-level vacancies, chief says
By Chris Strohm
[e-mail]


Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff acknowledged concerns Wednesday about the high turnover rate in the department's senior ranks and said he is trying rapidly to fill the gaps.


Chertoff took over the department two months ago just as a number of senior managers were leaving. For example, DHS does not have an undersecretary to lead the Border and Transportation Security Directorate. The entire senior management team for the Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate has departed. The Transportation Security Administration is searching for its fourth director in as many years.


"In some cases, we've had more rapid turnover than in other cases," Chertoff told the House Homeland Security Committee during a hearing on management of the department.


Chertoff said President Bush recently announced the appointment of Robert Stephan to be assistant secretary for infrastructure protection. Stephan currently serves as Chertoff's special assistant.

http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0405/041405c1.htm