Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator John Pistole will retire from public service effect Dec. 31, 2014, TSA announced yesterday.
Pistole, who is TSA's longest serving administrator, has spent more than 31 years working for the federal government, including 26 years at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and four and a half years at TSA. He is expected to be named to a position in academia beginning in early 2015.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to have served as TSA Administrator. No words can convey my deep gratitude for the hard work and dedication of the thousands of men and women committed to protecting the American public," Pistole said in a statement. "I could not be more proud of all that our employees have accomplished together, particularly what they have done to help enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of transportation security while improving the passenger screening experience."
Upon learning of his retirement, the travel industry praised Pistole.
"America's travel community is grateful to Administrator John Pistole for his vision of, and dedication to, a safer and more secure air transportation system that delivers a better experience to the flying public," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. "Thanks to Administrator Pistole, TSA has made major strides in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the air travel security screening process, as well as expanding proven programs such as PreCheck with creative thinking and leadership. On behalf of the entire travel community, we wish John well in his future endeavors and look forward to helping advance TSA's good work with the agency's next leader."
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