TSA Names Special Counselor

  • Dec 21, 2007

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced the appointment of Kimberly Hubbard Walton as the assistant administrator for the Office of the Special Counselor (OSC). In her previous capacity, Walton was the acting assistant administrator for OSC and the deputy special counselor for the same office.

OSC oversees the offices of Civil Rights and Liberties, Ombudsman, Privacy Policy and Compliance, Freedom of Information Act, Sensitive Security Information, Audit Liaison and Transportation Security Redress. Walton also ensures that quality information is provided to TSA's stakeholders, the public and members of Congress by overseeing the Executive Secretariat office.

"Kimberly is an activist on behalf of our employees and the public in making sure TSA's policies and actions reflect TSA's commitment to our core national values," said TSA Administrator Kip Hawley. "She is an outstanding leader who brings deep experience and talent to her work."

Prior to her role as the deputy special counselor, Walton was the ombudsman for TSA, addressing employee concerns and serving as the central point of contact for all inquiries and complaints from the traveling public. Before joining TSA in January 2003, Walton served as the deputy chief administrative officer for the United States Patent and Trademark Office and oversaw the Human Resources, Administrative Services, Security and Civil Rights offices. Before this appointment, she was the director of civil rights for the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Walton has participated in the National and International Security Program at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. In addition, she holds a law degree from the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law and is a member of the District of Columbia Bar. She studied psychology at the University of Tennessee and organizational psychology at Columbia University.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.