Pistole to step down as TSA administrator to become Anderson University president

U.S. Transportation Security Administrator John Pistole announced yesterday he would retire from public service effective Dec. 31, ending a 31-year career in the federal government.

Pistole has served more than four years as head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the federal agency created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He is a 26-year veteran of the FBI.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to have served as TSA administrator. No words can convey my deep gratitude for the hard work and dedication of the thousands of men and women committed to protecting the American public," said Pistole in a press release. "I could not be more proud of all that our employees have accomplished together, particularly what they have done to help enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of transportation security while improving the passenger screening experience."

In the next few weeks, Pistole is expected to be named president of Anderson University, a private college in Indiana, university officials announced yesterday.