TSA Weekly, April 20 - 24, 2009
A Message from Gale
‘The Field Leadership Council - Adding Wisdom from Within’
Our vision three years ago when we created the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) was to put in place a leadership structure that enables interoffice communication and cross-functional collaboration at the very top of TSA. That vision paid off. Today, TSA is led by a strong and collaborative SLT that has made great progress to become a coherent body that makes high level decisions that cut across all offices and programs.
That same vision of collaboration amongst leaders in the field is more evident today than ever. To tap into that leadership, I have established the Field Leadership Council (FLC). Consisting of a Deputy Area Director, five OSO Federal Security Directors (FSDs) and four Federal Air Marshal Service (Office of Law Enforcement (OLE)) field office Special Agents in Charge (SACs) from different areas of the country, this body of experienced and expert senior leaders will provide strategic guidance to the Administrator and Deputy Administrator to help define and move forward on issues of importance at TSA.
I see the FLC serving as advisors to help identify critical issues, provide a sounding board on major challenges faced by the agency, make recommendations about the way forward from a high level and strategic standpoint, and to support the SLT in effectively implementing short- and long-term goals. As defined by its charter, the FLC will provide strategic insight and advice on matters including, but not limited to, operations, administration and policy.
FLC members, nominated by their senior management, reflect the operational diversity of airports and FAM field offices. Members of the first FLC are:
- Mitch Brown, Deputy Area Director, Southeast Region
- Larry Fetters, FSD, Los Angeles
- Rob Krekorian, FSD, Manchester
- Annmarie Lontz, SAC, Seattle
- James McMurray, SAC, Los Angeles
- George Naccara, FSD, Boston
- Barbara Powell, FSD, Newark
- Jose Ralls, FSD, Las Vegas
- William Reese, SAC, Orlando
- Eric Sarandrea, SAC, Cincinnati
FLC members have been challenged to think strategically – not tactically – in their efforts to identify and institutionalize best practices and recommend enterprise-wide improvements. FLC members will add the benefit of their vast experience and insight from a field operations perspective.
The FLC will meet regularly via teleconference and in person. Their overarching responsibility is to encourage, enhance and facilitate communication, collaboration and transparency between field management and the SLT. They will, as circumstances arise, be asked to provide guidance and input on major issues facing TSA, including our public and stakeholder engagement strategies. They will also work to continue enhancing OSO/OLE collaboration and efficiencies.
We take very seriously our responsibility to make the best and most informed decisions we can for our workforce and to carry out our responsibility to protect America’s transportation systems; this group of professionals will serve as role models, mentors and advocates for TSA’s people and programs. I sincerely thank them for their service on this Council, for their wisdom and advice, and for their contributions to our nation daily.
News
TSA Takes ‘Gold’ for Environmental Awareness
From the Office of Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment
In back from left, Holly Tuck and Larry Rowe; front, Karen Nason and Kathryn Jones. Photo by Andy Szul
For the second consecutive year, TSA has been awarded the prestigious Gold-level award in the Federal Electronics Challenge (FEC) for successfully reducing the environmental impacts of electronics in three life-cycle phases and participating in a peer mentoring program. Those three phases involve all aspects of TSA: acquisitions and procurement; operations and maintenance; and end-of-life management.
TSA was also recognized in 2008 by winning the Presidential White House Closing the Circle award for electronics stewardship.
The FEC, jointly managed by the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive and the Environmental Protection Agency, encourages federal agencies to purchase greener electronic products, reduce the impacts of electronic products during use, and manage obsolete electronics in an environmentally safe way.
In 2005, TSA formed an Electronics Stewardship Team made up of employees from the Environmental Program (Office of Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment (OSHE)), the Information Technology Division (ITD), and the Office of Property Management (OPM). The FEC was used as a guide to develop TSA’s program and work to improve the practices across the agency.
“TSA’s success would not be possible without the dedication of the Electronics Stewardship Team,” said Andrew Bouie, Environment and Energy Branch Chief, OSHE. “Our team truly exemplifies leading by example.”
Team members are Kathryn Jones, Environmental Protection Specialist, and Holly Tuck, Environmental Scientist, OSHE; Karen Nason, Software Manager, ITD; and Larry Rowe, Chief, Personal Property Policy, Compliance and Disposal Programs Branch, OPM.
Throughout 2008, TSA continued to develop innovative and cost-effective ways of using resources to help protect the environment. For example, all of TSA’s desktops, notebooks and monitors are considered environmentally friendly and all of the agency’s printers, copiers and fax machines have environmentally preferable attributes.
More News
- TSA Intelligence Officer Receives DHS-Wide Award
- The Death of a ‘Distinguished Patriot’
- TSA Looks to Small Businesses to Help Achieve Mission
- This Week’s Featured Local Newsletter
- TSA San Juan Participates in Local Community Outreach
Column
A Federal Air Marshal demonstrates defensive measures to the delight of participants during Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work® Day at headquarters. More than 200 young people between eight and 18 participated in the event, which included opening remarks by Acting Administrator Gale Rossides; technology and wanding demonstrations; canine demonstrations; a theater presentation; and an ice cream social. Photo by Rigina Pietrowski
Graphic by Ann Oh
Your Weekly E-mail Tip
TSA employees can check their work e-mail from any computer connected to the Internet. The Outlook Web Access is a Web-based e-mail interface similar to other Internet-based e-mail clients like Hotmail and Yahoo. The Web address is https://email.tsa.dhs.gov.
Editor’s Note: Last week’s tip provided steps to free up space in a TSA e-mail account by creating personal folders. Due to different uses of computers throughout TSA, that tip may not always apply. Employees who need assistance should contact their local IT Specialist.
Evolution: In the FSD's Own Words
Evolution is an investment in our workforce, empowering them to build on existing competencies, which allows them to be engaged, motivated, and much more effective at what we do. – FSD Larry Austin, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Engage the Evolution team with your questions and suggestions at ENGAGEevolution@dhs.gov.
More News
TSA Intelligence Officer Receives DHS-Wide Award
By Michael Crowl, Acting Manager, Transportation Analysis Branch, Office of Intelligence
Photo by Andy Szul
The National Military Intelligence Association recognized William McLeod’s “professional intelligence excellence and exceptional dedication” to the protection of the U.S. with the 2009 Lieutenant General Patrick M. Hughes Award.
The annual award is given to an outstanding Homeland Security intelligence professional who best represents the high standards set by Lt. Gen. Hughes, who served more than 40 years in the departments of Defense and Homeland Security.
This was the second consecutive year a TSA employee received the award. In 2008, Senior Intelligence Officer Tom Hoopes was the recipient. Previous recipients after the award was established in 2005 were with the DHS Office of Intelligence.
The award recognized McLeod’s collaborative approach. As Acting Deputy Manager, Transportation Analysis Branch in Intelligence, he worked to merge all source intelligence, law enforcement, and open source information; synchronize intelligence and operational actions; and share information among key intelligence and law enforcement communities, the federal government, and industry stakeholders.
“William’s aggressive leadership example, keen intellect, and unlimited energy were catalysts that produced tremendous contributions in all facets of DHS intelligence,” said Acting Deputy Administrator Keith Kauffman, who is also Assistant Administrator for Intelligence.
One of McLeod’s primary responsibilities is to perform lead analytic exchanges with his counterparts at two of the nation’s top intelligence agencies – the Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency.
Other duties include oversight of TSA’s leadership morning intelligence brief; presentations of key intelligence briefings to stakeholders; and providing critical support to Intelligence Officers deployed worldwide.
For example, during a six-month period, McLeod regularly updated TSA’s senior leadership about a serious threat to transportation overseas. As part of those updates, he presented detailed charts of the target’s network; categorized the target’s activities; and collaborated closely with intelligence community analysts and subject matter experts.
“He willingly shares his knowledge as a coach and mentor, is professional in all of his interactions, and gives all of us 100 percent every time he walks in the door,” said Kauffman.
The Death of a ‘Distinguished Patriot’
By Jon Allen, Office of Strategic Communications/Public Affairs
Photo courtesy of TSA Charlotte-Douglas
Jim Sikes, Acting Federal Security Director at Charlotte-Douglas (N.C.) International Airport, died of a heart attack on April 14. He was 56.
Mr. Sikes was hired as AFSD of Operations in September 2002, less than a month after Charlotte was federalized. In 2004, he was named Deputy Federal Security Director.
“Jim was a distinguished patriot and inspirational leader,” said Lee Kair, Assistant Administrator, Security Operations. “Most importantly, he was a devoted husband and loving father of two children.”
Mr. Sikes contributed significantly to TSA’s success at Charlotte. His leadership was particularly recognized during an ice storm in 2003, an airport-wide power outage in 2004, and implementation of the liquids and gels security measures in 2006.
“Jim always had TSA’s interest in the forefront,” said Mitchell Brown, Southeast Deputy Area Director, Security Operations. “He was a true strategic thinker and his impact was significant, not just in Charlotte, but across the agency.”
In 2005, Mr. Sikes deployed to New Orleans to help with the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. In 2006, he served on a team that helped develop strategic planning procedures for the agency.
Mr. Sikes graduated from The Citadel in 1974 and was commissioned as an infantry officer. In a successful career as an Army Ranger, he achieved the rank of Colonel as an Infantry Brigade Commander. He was a highly decorated combat veteran, receiving the Combat Infantry Badge, Airborne Wings, Ranger Tab, Army Staff Badge and Joint Staff Badge. He was on the Army Staff on 9/11 and was instrumental in evacuating injured personnel during the attack on the Pentagon. He joined TSA after retiring from the Army.
As a tribute to Mr. Sikes, security officers at Charlotte-Douglas wore black mourning bands around their badges. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
TSA Looks to Small Businesses to Help Achieve Mission
By Robert Boone, Program Manager, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Office of Acquisition
Pictured, from left, Robert Boone, Program Manager; Charley S. Burruss and Dana Law of Sankora Executive Solutions; and Daryl Shall, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Acquisition. Photo by Brigitte Dittberner
Representatives of 30 small businesses visited headquarters on April 15 for TSA’s annual fair that gives program offices and acquisition staff opportunities to learn from contractors about the goods and services they provide. Participating businesses included professional and program management support services, security technology, bio-metrics, auditing and accounting, staffing, background investigations, audio visual, testing and independent verification services, and call center operations.
“TSA has a strong commitment to the small businesses programs to meet our mission needs,” said Assistant Administrator Domenic Cipicchio, Office of Acquisition.
TSA regularly works with small disadvantaged, women-owned, historically under-utilized business zone (HUBZone), veteran-owned, and service disabled veteran-owned small businesses. In fiscal year 2008, TSA awarded contracts totaling more than $322 million to small businesses. TSA’s goal is to award 23 percent of contract dollars to small business; 20 percent was achieved last year.
For more information, visit the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization iShare page under Office of Acquisition.
This Week’s Featured Local Newsletter
TSA employees in Massachusetts impressively redesigned their newsletter in April, replacing The Officer Inquirer with an easy-to-read Beacon. It has a professional look that combines clean layout, bold photos and graphics, and bright writing. The table of contents readily navigates readers to stories that nicely mix security topics and news about employees. There’s an impressive attention to detail throughout, from font selection to photo IDs and credits.
An archive of featured newsletters is available on iShare in the Communications Central section, which is linked from the home page.
TSA San Juan Participates in Local Community Outreach
Photo by John Pomales
At a recent briefing sponsored by the non-profit Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association (PRMA), TSA employees presented to local businesses as part of a community outreach effort to create more cargo security awareness and share new initiatives to enhance the nation’s security. The presentation included a brief history of TSA, the agency’s role and responsibilities within the air cargo community, and the steps businesses can take to prevent or deter unauthorized explosives in cargo. In addition, the audience learned about new requirements for background checks of employees and owners of cargo companies, including the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and Certified Cargo Screening (CCS) programs. Participating were Eduardo Davila (pictured), Transportation Security Inspector (TSI) - Cargo; Joy Martinez, Stakeholder Manager, Luis Munoz Marin International (San Juan, Puerto Rico); Douglas Foster, Branch Chief, CCS program; and Donald Basso, TSI.
Column
Can I E-mail SSI? Yes, But Do It Right
By Sarah Innes, Contractor and Junior Analyst, SSI Office
Graphic by Jennifer Hill-Wilson
Using e-mail to transmit Sensitive Security Information (SSI) is an easy and convenient way for TSA employees to share information. When proper procedures are followed, e-mail is also a safe and secure way to share SSI.
One common question is whether an e-mail signature block should include the SSI distribution limitation statement, commonly called the SSI “footer.” The answer is that the body of an e-mail never needs the SSI footer because SSI must never be contained in the body of an e-mail.
SSI may only be e-mailed in a separate, password-protected e-mail attachment. The attached document should have proper SSI markings, and the password for opening the attachment should be transmitted by separate e-mail or provided over the phone. This policy applies whether you created a document or are passing along information.
Protecting sensitive information is every employee’s duty. By following proper procedures SSI can be shared easily without compromising security. Additional guidance is available on the SSI iShare page available in the Special Counselor section. Employees may also contact the TSA SSI Office at SSI@dhs.gov or 571-227-3513.
Kudos & Clips
The slow, invasive and tedious work at the security checkpoint in Oklahoma City was handled by the staff in a pleasant, though focused manner, proving both objectives (security and respect) can be accomplished simultaneously. … While I suppose there may be many complaints about the delays and privacy concerns due to the security checkpoints, I was one of many in New York City and deeply impacted by the events of 9/11 and I have always passed these points with gratitude.
David Rucquoi, Darien, Conn., to Kim Wagner, Stakeholder Manager/Customer Support and Quality Improvement Manager, Will Rogers World Airport (Oklahoma City). April 7, 2009.
My husband was going through a special security check due to his full left and right knee replacements. Just after his belongings passed through screening, he realized he didn't have his iPhone. … Before we knew it, Lead TSO Tom Beiter was there to help. He was calm, professional, helpful and focused on completing the security check … LTSO Beiter helped us move to a quieter area, asked us to review the steps we took in getting to the airport and the security area, gave us the contact for lost and found … keeping a calm friendly professional demeanor. We finally tracked the phone at the hotel, after he suggested we call the phone and make sure it was still working.
Weldon and Renee Bankston, Los Gatos, Calif., to Bob Kapp, Customer Support Quality and Improvement Manager, Denver International, Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal, and Colorado Plains Regional airports. April 6, 2009.
Challenge for Charity
By Laura Andrews, Globe Gazette, March 15, 2009
Businesses and organizations associated with the Mason City Municipal Airport have a challenge for other North Iowa businesses — donate as much food as they did, if not more, to a local food pantry.
The local Transportation Security Administration, Mason City Airport Commission staff, Mesaba/Delta Connection, North Iowa Air Service, Jefferson Bus Lines, Hertz and the Airport Cafe recently completed a food drive where they raised approximately 400 pounds of food for the Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank in Mason City. Read more.
TSA Experience
Employee’s Volunteer Efforts Honored
From the Office of Strategic Communications/Public Affairs
Photo by Andy Szul
Kari Beard, an administrative specialist in the Office of Inspection at headquarters, was recently honored for “outstanding volunteer service” to Arlington County, Va., for her work in the Community Outreach Program within the Department of Human Services.
Since late 2006, Beard has volunteered in the Harvey Hall Tutoring Group, which helps immigrant and low-income families become self-sufficient and integrate into the community by improving reading skills of young people in the families.
The county credited its thousands of volunteers with “strengthen[ing] our community” and enabling the county “to be more responsive to our residents.”
Beard started at TSA in March 2008, and provides administrative and operational support to the Internal Reviews Division in Inspection.
Officers Married at Checkpoint
By Myriam Rodriguez, Transportation Security Manager, Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
Photo courtesy of Ivette Medina
Romance bloomed April 16 at a Luis Munoz Marin International Airport checkpoint. Behavior Detection Officers Salvador Benabe and Jennifer Melendez married soon after his unusual proposal.
Melendez was inspecting a passenger’s bag when, to her surprise, she discovered a sign inside that read, “Will you marry me? Salvador.” Benabe knelt in front of Melendez and proposed. She said, “Yes.”
The passenger who had agreed to carry the message turned out to be the minister who performed the ceremony. The couple took their vows at the checkpoint surrounded by Benabe’s daughter and coworkers (some of whom had been alerted to his ploy).
The two officers met at the same checkpoint in 2002.
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