Dezenski helps stabilize DHS border security division

Dezenski helps stabilize DHS border security division    Elaine Dezenski will succeed Stewart Verdery as assistant secretary for border and transportation security policy planning, providing some continuity to a key division within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for setting cargo security policy.
   Turnover has been rapid among top department policymakers in the three months since President Bush won re-election, especially within the Border and Transportation Security directorate. Under Secretary Asa Hutchinson and his top deputy, Verdery, have both resigned, and will leave office in March.
   Other changes include Michael Chertoff replacing Tom Ridge as secretary and the retirement of Deputy Secretary James Loy. President Bush has named Michael Jackson, a former top Transportation Department official, to succeed Loy.
   Dezenski, deputy assistant secretary for policy and planning, is the primary person in charge developing the department’s national cargo security strategy, mechanical seal requirements for containers and air cargo security rules.