Barbara Powell Named to Top Security Position at Newark Liberty International Airport
January 31, 2008
Lara Uselding
(773) 573-8168
NEW YORK - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has named Barbara Powell federal security director (FSD) for Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). As FSD, Powell will oversee all security operations at Newark.
"This selection formalizes the leadership team at Newark. Barbara's skill set and experience is key to the success of our overall operations, and we know she will continue to do great things," said Assistant Administrator for Security Operations Mo McGowan.
Powell previously served as acting FSD and as the deputy FSD. Powell came to Newark TSA in August 2002 as the supervisory attorney. She was instrumental in building TSA's Office of Chief Council and in federalizing security at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Before joining TSA she was field counsel for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms' New York Field Division.
"It is an honor to be selected by the outstanding leadership of TSA to serve alongside the great workforce at one of the nation's largest airports," said Powell. "I am committed to the excellent partnership we have established with the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey and the airlines in providing security and customer service to the traveling public."
Powell holds a Jurist Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. She graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa. with a bachelor's degree in political science.
On Nov. 19, 2001, President Bush signed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which created the TSA and established the authority of the FSD. The FSD is the chief federal security officer at the airport. The FSD is also the face of TSA in the region and the first point of contact when a security issue arises.
For more information about TSA, please visit www.tsa.gov.
