David Pekoske serves as the Sev- enth Transportation Security Administration Administrator , leading a workforce of 60,000 employees , including the Feder- al Air Marshal Service , and is re- sponsible for security operations at nearly 450 US airports and shared security for highways , railroads , ports , mass transit sys- tems and pipelines .
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Under his leadership , TSA is working continuously to raise the security baseline for both aviation and surface transpor- tation through close partner- ships and alliances and a robust homeland security network .
While continuing to serve as TSA Administrator ,
Pekoske also served as DHS Acting Secretary from Jan 20 to Feb 2 , 2021 , and as the Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Sec- retary from Apr to Nov 2019 and again from Feb to Jun 2021 .
At DHS Pekoske helped lead a unified national effort to en- sure US security , coordinating components with missions ranging from prevention and protec- tion to recovery and response .
Before joining TSA , Pekoske was an executive in the government services industry where he led teams that provided counter- terrorism , security and intelli- gence support services to gov- ernment agencies .
Most notably , Pekoske served as the 26th Vice Commandant of the U . S . Coast Guard , culmi- nating a Coast Guard career that included extensive operational and command experience . He is a recognized expert in crisis management , strategic planning , in- novation and port and maritime security .
Pekoske ' s awards include the Homeland Security Distin- guished Service Medal , Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal , the Meritorious Service Medal , Coast Guard Commenda- tion and Achievement Medals .
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