Administrator Continues Tenure as Travel Industry Continues to Recover

The Transportation Security Administration has voted to confirm David Pekoske for a 2nd term as Administrator following his September 15th Senate confirmation. 

Pekoske will continue to serve as the Administration's 7th administrator, heading up the TSA in a quixotic and unpredictable travel climate. Every day, his organization screens more than 2 million travelers, with a workforce of 60,000 employees operating in the US transportation system. Prior to his start as TSA head in 2017, Pekoske worked as an executive in the government services industry, providing counterterrorism, security and intelligence support services to a variety of government bodies in addition to serving as the 26th Vice Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. For a brief time in 2021, Pekoske also served as the Acting Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security. He holds an MBA from MIT, a master's in public administration from Columbia University, and a bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

At his confirmation hearing, Senator Cantwell gave an endorsement over his efforts to protect the traveling public. Cantwell noted that the "traveling public is back," adding that Labor Day weekend saw the TSA screen almost 11 million people or 3% more than the same period last year. “Security demands for the agency are returning, and every day are continuing to grow,” Sen. Cantwell said. “We know that we need to have continued experienced leadership, and Admiral Pekoske is well qualified for this position. He will continue to make transportation security and its modernization the nation's number one priority as it relates to this sector.”

“NATA and our affiliated partner NATA Compliance Services have enjoyed a positive, proactive working relationship with the men and women of TSA under Administrator Pekoske since he was appointed as head of the agency in 2017,” NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna said. “Administrator Pekoske has expertly balanced the need to support existing security initiatives with the development of insightful new strategies to counter emerging threats in an increasingly dynamic environment, all while fostering a culture of collaboration with industry stakeholders. He has proven to be a forward-looking leader in transportation security, and we are pleased to be part of this government-industry partnership.”

FMI: www.senate.gov, www.nata.aero