U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta today announced the appointment of retired Coast Guard Commandant James M. Loy to the newly created post of Deputy Under Secretary for Transportation Security and Chief Operating Officer of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
In his new position,
Admiral Loy will report directly to Under Secretary for Transportation Security John Magaw, the head of the TSA. The secretary's announcement was included in remarks he gave at today's change of command ceremony, when Admiral Loy was succeeded by Admiral Thomas Collins as Coast Guard commandant.
"Jim Loy is a world-class executive and an experienced transportation professional. TSA's already strong team will benefit from this phenomenal addition. Our mission, protecting every facet of America's transportation system, remains daunting," Secretary Mineta said. "But when individuals like these are willing to continue to serve their country, even formidable challenges become attainable. It is difficult to imagine a stronger, more experienced team to lead the TSA."
Magaw, the former head of the U.S. Secret Service and of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, praised Loy's willingness to continue his public service.
"All of us at TSA welcome Jim Loy to TSA as chief operating officer," said Under Secretary Magaw. "Admiral Loy has gained an international reputation for operational excellence and innovative leadership as Commandant of the Coast Guard. Jim brings his enormous talent to the TSA team to help this new agency meet our vital transportation security mission."
Admiral Loy, who retired today after 38 years of commissioned years in the Coast Guard, will take up his new duties after a brief vacation with his wife, Kay.
"I am honored that Secretary Mineta has provided me this opportunity for further service," Loy said. "I look forward to bringing my experience in management, security issues and the maritime domain to bear as the TSA grows from its transition phase to maturity. Along the way, I expect to foster close public-private partnerships with TSA's industry stakeholders in the longstanding tradition of the Coast Guard."
Loy, a native of Altoona, PA, graduated from the U. S.
Coast Guard Academy in 1964 and holds masters degrees from Wesleyan University and the University of Rhode Island. He also attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and interned at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.