News Items (5/22/12)

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is looking for its first Chief Security Officer (CSO) to head a newly created Security Department within the bi-state agency. The search follows the plan's unanimous approval last month at the agency's board meeting. The board's resolution also establishes a temporary transition team, led by Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye and Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni, to start the new Security Department.

"After working closely with the Chertoff Group (a global risk management and security advisory firm) to examine our entire security operation, we concluded we can improve on our security organization by requiring greater centralization and clearer reporting responsibilities," said
Port Authority Chairman David Samson. The Chertoff Group will continue to assist in the transition planning.

A spokesperson for the Port Authority said that the centralized security department will improve security communication and responsiveness. Mr. Foye estimates that in the last year alone, the agency moved 104 million airport customers, 74 million PATH riders, 121 million vehicles at our tunnels and bridges, nearly 76 million bus passengers, and 5.2 million cargo container units through local ports.

CSO applicants should resume and cover letter to panyn...@chertoffgroup.com with the title of the position in the subject header.