Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff

Release Date: November 19, 2007

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

Fran Townsend has been a remarkable public servant for the past two decades. And, as a former federal prosecutor, Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Intelligence, and most recently as Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, she understands from the ground up the security challenges that the nation faces every day.

Fran was a major architect of our national homeland security strategies, including the “lessons learned” from Hurricane Katrina. She has championed counterterrorism and information sharing, leading the effort to better integrate federal, state and local intelligence, law enforcement, and first responder communities and thwart the efforts of those who wish to do us harm. Fran has also contributed mightily to the maturation of the Department, and has influenced countless stakeholders and leaders throughout the U.S. government and the world to further our preparedness and planning efforts for both natural and manmade disasters.

Always wise, dedicated and energetic, Fran deserves all our gratitude for her service and substantial contribution to securing the homeland. Personally, I will miss her valuable partnership, as I will continue to value her friendship. On behalf of the hard working men and women of this Department, I wish Fran and her family all the best.

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This page was last modified on November 19, 2007