Secretary Ridge Names New Members of the Private Sector Senior Advisory Committee to the Homeland Security Advisory Council

Release Date: 06/14/04 00:00:00

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
June 14, 2004

Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge is pleased to announce the appointment of four individuals to serve on the Private Sector Senior Advisory Committee (PVTSAC) of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC).

Secretary Ridge established the PVTSAC as a subcommittee of the Homeland Security Advisory Council to provide the HSAC with expert advice from leaders in America’s private sector.  The HSAC is comprised of experts from state and local governments, first preventer and responder communities, academia and the private sector, and provides advice and recommendations to Secretary Ridge on homeland security issues.

“These individuals bring a vast amount of experience and knowledge from the private sector to the Homeland Security Advisory Council.  I am grateful that these accomplished leaders will be advising me and contributing to the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to secure our nation and protect our fellow citizens,” said Secretary Ridge.

Steve Gross, of California, is the Owner and President of Border Trade Services (BTS), a warehousing and distribution company headquartered in San Diego.  He is a past Chairman and current Board Member of the Border Trade Alliance, a tri-national organization headquartered in Phoenix that represents trade and advocacy issues affecting Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.  He is also past President of the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Doug Huntt, of Ohio, was appointed by the Governor as Chair of the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission and is CEO of DC Huntt & Associates, a national consulting group that provides comprehensive programs and services on issues relating to people with disabilities.  He is a nationally known disability advocate and a service-connected disabled United States Marine Corp Veteran.  

Monica Luechtefeld, of Florida, is Executive Vice President of Global E-commerce for Office Depot and is responsible for driving Office Depot’s leadership in electronic commerce.  She joined the company in 1993 and was appointed General Manager of the Southern California Region and was subsequently promoted to Vice President and Senior Vice President of E-commerce before being named to her new position in August 2000 and assuming global responsibility in 2003.  

Bill Whitmore, of Pennsylvania, is President and CEO of Allied Security, the nation’s largest independently owned contract security services company.  He began his career in law enforcement with the Upper Merion Police Department before becoming Assistant Security Director at the Wachovia Spectrum arena.  He serves as Chairman of the Board of the Philadelphia Police Foundation, is a board member of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and on the Advisory Board of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Montgomery County.

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