TSA Appoints Director of Privacy Policy and Compliance
Agency Veteran Tapped to Head Key Office
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Transportation Security Administration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 17, 2006
TSA Press Office: (571) 227-2829
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced that Peter Pietra has been named the agency’s Director of Privacy Policy and Compliance. Pietra’s appointment, along with expanded staffing of the office, manifests TSA’s continued commitment to the development of a vigorous program that implements privacy policy, privacy awareness, and privacy compliance functions.
“Peter’s appointment extends the privacy functions he currently serves and is expected to build a strong privacy program within the agency,” said Kip Hawley, TSA Administrator. “That knowledge, along with the close working relationship he has established with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Privacy Office makes him well-suited for this new post.”
The devotion of increased resources and expertise to TSA privacy programs is expected to make the agency a leader in privacy efforts within DHS and the Federal government as a whole. With the anticipated launch of several programs, including TWIC, Registered Traveler and Secure Flight, it’s critical the agency is poised to meet the workload and improve communication with stakeholders and the traveling public.
“TSA recognizes that privacy considerations must pervade every aspect of agency operations. I’m pleased to have the opportunity to focus entirely on privacy matters, and especially pleased that Lisa Dean will remain at TSA to continue providing her considerable talents and expertise to this effort,” commented Pietra.
Following graduation from the University of Pennsylvania, Pietra served as a Field Artillery Officer with the U.S. Army. He attended Temple University School of Law, and began his legal career with a private firm in 1990 focusing on intellectual property, insurance, and construction litigation. He has also served as an attorney with the U.S. Coast Guard before joining TSA. Pietra has been with the TSA’s Office of Chief Counsel since 2003, where he served as TSA’s Assistant Chief Counsel for Information Law.
