Basham prepares to hand CBP torch to Ahern

Basham prepares to hand CBP torch to Ahern Jayson Ahern, the No. 2 official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is ready to helm the organization when Ralph Basham steps aside as commissioner sometime in the coming weeks.

Ahern

   Basham, a Bush appointee, is leaving with the outgoing administration after a long career in federal law enforcement. He recently told reporters that he will depart before the administration’s last day on Jan. 20, but declined to give a specific date.
   “I won’t be here to turn the lights out,” he jested when asked about his plans.
   Basham said leading CBP has been a wonderful capstone to a great career.
   “This has been one of the most incredible experiences of my 38-year career,” he said. “I wouldn’t replace this management team for any I’ve dealt with.”
   During a farewell speech the day before to industry representatives at the annual Trade Symposium, he praised the agency’s frontline employees and got slightly choked up thanking the trade community for being a true business partner on tough issues and the friendships he’s formed.
   Basham received a standing ovation from the crowd of several hundred people.
   Ahern kicked off the three-day conference by promising to keep moving ahead on initiatives rather than simply be a caretaker until a new commissioner selected by President Obama is confirmed by the Senate.
   Judging by past experience, Ahern could be in charge for a significant period of time. Deborah Spero, since retired, served as acting commissioner for eight months between the time former Commissioner Robert Bonner left office in late 2005 and Basham took over in mid-2006. Sam Banks, now in the private sector at Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services, once led the agency for about a year while waiting for a political appointee to take over. But Obama has signaled that he intends to move quickly on appointments and confirmations could be expedient with Democrats in charge of the Senate.
   Ahern also said he would continue to forge partnerships with other agencies and fellow customs administrations to try and coordinate border security programs and data sharing. And he stated he would maintain an open door policy for businesses involved in international trade.

Chertoff

   “We’re not going to remain in neutral while we wait for the next Department of Homeland Security secretary or commissioner,” Ahern said.
   Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has made the first transition in DHS history a top priority. Last year he established a succession plan for all component agencies to ensure political appointees are backstopped by career executives who can ensure operational continuity. ' Eric Kulisch