TSA Names Special Counselor
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.