Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Senate Confirmation of Paul A. Schneider as Deputy Secretary

Release Date: June 5, 2008

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

I am very pleased that the Senate has confirmed Paul A. Schneider as Deputy Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security. Paul is a proven leader with my respect and that of the men and women of this department. He has shown his dedication to our mission while serving most recently as the acting Deputy Secretary and previously as the Under Secretary for Management.

As my acting deputy for the past seven months, Paul has served as the department’s chief operating officer, employing his extensive management skills not only in the daily operations of the department, but also in counseling me on and implementing my top management priorities.

Paul began his distinguished 40-year career in the federal government as a project engineer at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. His extensive experience includes such challenging positions as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition and the Senior Acquisition Executive of the National Security Agency. He also spent several years as a defense and aerospace consultant. I am grateful for Paul’s steadfast service, coming out of his second retirement to serve this department. I look forward to continuing to work closely with him.

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This page was last reviewed/modified on June 5, 2008.