TSA Recruits Experienced New Crop of Leaders

News & Happenings

July 19, 2007

Dr. Cedric Alexander, TSA's new FSD
at Dallas/Fort Worth.

WASHINGTON - Ten new federal security directors (FSDs) will be taking the reins at airports across the nation. The new FSDs are Cedric Alexander - Dallas/Fort Worth; Penny Anderson - Grand Rapids, Mich.; David Bassett - Denver; Peter Boynton - Windsor Locks, Conn.; Andrew Coose - Boise, Idaho; Alvy Dodson - Dallas Love Field; Glen Kajiyama - Honolulu; Joseph Morris, Jr. - New York (JFK); Luz Ponce - Louisville, Ky; and Kathleen Roscher - Orange County, Calif.

"It is very exciting for TSA to welcome this group of new federal security directors to the agency," said Mo McGowan, assistant administrator of Security Operations. "These individuals possess an overwhelming breadth of experience in aviation security, the military and law enforcement that will be invaluable as TSA continues to build a flexible, dynamic and intelligent workforce."

Of the 10 new FSDs, two have a military background, three come from law enforcement, six possess graduate level degrees, four were previously a deputy or assistant FSD within TSA, three have worked internationally for TSA, and five have a background with the Department of Transportation or the Federal Aviation Administration.

One example of their vast experience is Morris, who will be the new FSD at John F. Kennedy Airport in Jamaica, NY. In September of 2001, he served as the World Trade Center Site commander, directing police rescue/recovery operations and developing site security at ground zero. Another example is Capt. Peter Boynton, the new FSD at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Conn. He comes to TSA after nearly 30 years active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he had been the Connecticut/Long Island Sector commander.

Federal security directors are the highest ranking TSA official at each airport or airport region.