David Pekoske, TSA Administrator

David Pekoske serves as the Transportation Security Administration's seventh administrator. He leads a workforce of about 60K employees and is responsible for security operations at nearly 450 U.S. airports.

Under Pekoske's leadership, the TSA also shares security responsibilities for highways, railroads, ports, mass transit systems and pipelines, the agency said.

Before he was confirmed into his role in August 2017, Pekoske served as a senior official at the Department of Homeland Security and performed the duties of the deputy secretary. 

Pekoske spent five years as the group president of A-T Solutions, a defense and space company that is now part of PAE. He later served as PAE's vice president.   

He served as the 26th vice commandant of the Coast Guard, as well as the service's chief operating officer and component acquisition executive.

According to the TSA, the Coast Guard recognized him as an expert in crisis management, strategic planning, innovation and port and maritime security. 

Pekoske also served as an adjunct professor at the American University and as an adjunct instructor at the Naval Postgraduate School. 

He spent the bulk of his government services career leading teams that supported government agencies in counterterrorism, security and intelligence efforts. 

He earned a master's degree in business administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a master's degree in public administration from Columbia University New York and a bachelor's degree in ocean engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

His awards and decorations include the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal, Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation and Achievement Medals.