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David Wonnenberg

David Wonnenberg serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Legislative Affairs, for the Department of Homeland Security. In this role he coordinates highly complex executive nominations and legislative activities for DHS. He ensures that close and harmonious relationships are maintained between the Senate and DHS.

Prior to joining DHS, David provided leadership within the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General as a Senior Congressional and External Affairs Officer. Beginning in 2009, David supported the Inspector General and his team as they conducted audits and investigations on behalf of the American public to improve the performance and integrity of DOT’s programs and to prevent and detect waste, fraud, abuse, and violations of law.

David previously was Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs at DOT from 2007 to 2009. During that time he gained a strong corporate perspective of the Department and developed and executed advocacy strategies for high-priority Presidential and Secretarial initiatives. David came to DOT following service on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. While there he held various positions including Professional Staff Member and Press Secretary. He lead staff negotiations on the SAFE Port Act, and negotiated others including SAFETEA-LU, the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Implementation Act, and multiple Coast Guard authorizations. David has received several awards including two Secretary’s Gold Medals and the OIG Award for Excellence.

He was born in California and is a graduate of the University of California at San Diego with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. David and his wife, Katie, reside in Washington, D.C.

Last Updated: 11/15/2019
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