McAleenan
The Department of Homeland Security last week dropped the word “acting” from Kevin McAleenan’s title and made him the permanent deputy commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. McAleenan has served as the agency’s number two executive on a temporary basis since April 2013. From January 2012 to March 2013, he served as the acting assistant commissioner of field operations.It is the fourth leadership appointment in the past six weeks to fill vacant positions at U.S. Customs. In mid-September, CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske promoted Brenda Smith to assistant commissioner of international affairs from head of the ACE Business Office, and he named Rich DiNucci executive director of cargo and conveyance security within the Office of Field Operations. Shortly thereafter, Sandra Bell was appointed from within to deputy assistant commissioner for international trade.
Industry officials have urged Kerlikowske and Homeland Security Secretary Jey Johnson to quickly fill many management positions because of concern that career personnel in temporary duty assignments may act as caretakers without full decision authority. True to the nature of the ongoing shuffle within the agency, DiNucci was quickly assigned to be acting deputy assistant commissioner for field operations. He still retains his official title.
From July 2010 to January 2012, McAleenan served as the deputy assistant commissioner of field operations. The Office of Field Operations, the largest component within the agency, is responsible for security and enforcing trade and immigration laws at 329 ports of entry and international locations.
Prior to that, he served as executive director of anti-terrorism, where he coordinated CBP policies, programs and operations and interactions within the law enforcement community.
From 2003 to 2006, McAleenan was port director at Los Angeles International Airport.
McAleenan received the DHS Secretary’s Award (Silver Medal) for Meritorious Service this year, as well as several honors in 2005.
Prior to his government service, McAleenan practiced law in California. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago Law School.
