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Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on the President’s Intention to Nominate W. Ralph Basham as Commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Appoint Mark Sullivan as Director of the United States Secret Service

Release Date: 01/30/06 00:00:00

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
January 30, 2006

President Bush has identified two exceptional law enforcement professionals for key positions at the Department of Homeland Security.  Ralph Basham, the Director and 29-year veteran of the United States Secret Service, will be nominated to serve as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  Ralph is a former Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and Special Agent-in-Charge of the Cleveland Field Office, the Washington D.C. Field Office and the Vice Presidential Protective Division.  He has also served as Chief of Staff at the Transportation Security Administration.  

The President also announced his intention to name Mark Sullivan as Director of the United States Secret Service, following a successful confirmation of Director Basham to lead CBP.  Mark is a 23-year veteran of the Agency, having served as the Assistant Director for the Office of Protective Operations, as well as holding several senior investigative and protective management positions.  Mark was appointed by Director Basham to the position of Deputy Director on Friday, January 27.  

Ralph’s extensive law enforcement career, his work internationally and within several components of the department make him a superb fit to lead CBP’s vital mission.  Mark would be promoted to lead the Secret Service, where he has held critical leadership roles with the greatest distinction.  Both men are vastly experienced and highly-decorated members of the federal law enforcement community, who have each made significant contributions to our nation’s security.  I appreciate their dedication to country and look forward to their continued service within the Department.

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This page was last reviewed/modified on 01/30/06 00:00:00.