For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON – Today, the president announced his intent to nominate Ms. Elaine C. Duke as deputy secretary of Homeland Security.
I could not be more pleased by the president’s announcement. Elaine is a true public servant. Her unparalleled knowledge of the Department coupled with the overwhelmingly positive response I receive from everyone who hears her name prove she is the right person for the job. I look forward to working with her to fulfill the Department’s critical mission of protecting the homeland.
Ms. Duke has had a nearly 30-year career with the federal government, most recently as the Department of Homeland Security’s undersecretary for management – a position she held until April 1, 2010. As the undersecretary, she was responsible for managing the Department's business lines and corresponding $47 billion budget. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Department’s deputy undersecretary for management and she was the Department's chief procurement officer, leading DHS' $17 billion acquisition program. She also served as deputy assistant administrator for acquisition at TSA, delivering an acquisition program that met the post 9/11 legislative mandate to federalize passenger and baggage screening at U.S. airports. Prior to her service at DHS, Ms. Duke held various positions with the U.S. Department of Defense.
Ms. Duke holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and a Master’s of Business Administration. During her service with the federal government, Ms. Duke received the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award, the DHS Secretary's Medal, the Transportation Security Administration’s Silver Medal for Customer Service, the Department of the Army Commander's Award for Public Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard's Distinguished Public Service Medal.
She most recently served as a principal at Elaine Duke & Associates LLC, an acquisition and business consulting firm based outside Washington.
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