Tough Job Ahead

The White House nominated Edmund "Kip" Hawley on Friday  to be the new head of the Transportation Security Administration. He'll be replacing David Stone, who will be leaving the position in June.

Hawley is currently working as a supply chain technology consultant in California. He will be the fourth leader of the TSA in the agency's three years. He had previously worked with the TSA after the September 11th attacks to form teams of civilian executives to help the agency to meet congressional deadlines.

"We're high on Mr. Hawley," James C. May, chief executive of the Air Transport Association, said in a written statement according to the Washington Post. "We believe he will bring a great combination of skills and experience to the position."

Government sources told the Post that Michael P. Jackson, deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, chose Hawley. Hawley had left his job in California in 2001 to assist with strategies for the development of the TSA. He returned to the private sector as the TSA began to mature.

Hawley had previously served with the Reagan administration. He is a member of the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Services Committee. He previously was vice president of transportation services for the Union Pacific Railroad.

"One reason this gentleman was picked is he has a technical background, a private sector background," said Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., and chairman of the House aviation subcommittee. "We're going to do a high-tech makeover, which will rely less on personnel and more on technology."

FMI: www.tsa.gov