John Pistole, head of the Transportation Security Administration, addresses the National Press Club. His topic is "Counterterrorism, Risk-Based Security, and TSA’s Vision for the Future of Aviation Security."
Pistole, who was confirmed in July 2010 as the fifth administrator of the TSA, is a 26-year veteran of the FBI with national security and counterterrorism experience. After 9/11, he was assigned to the FBI’s expanded counterterrorism program and eventually became deputy director. He now oversees the 60,000 employees who provide security at more than 450 U.S. airports and through the Federal Air Marshal Service.
Last week, he announced that New York City’s JFK airport had become the ninth airport in the country to implement an expedited screening program for frequent fliers.
The TSA is responsible for security for highways, railroads, ports, mass transit systems and pipelines. Since the terrorist attacks on 9/11, the TSA has worked with the Department of Homeland Security to transform the screening process at airports to one driven by intelligence and risk.