Elaine Duke Becomes Acting Director of the Department of Homeland Security

This week, the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Elaine Duke, became acting director of the department.  She replaces John Kelly, who recently left the position after being appointed White House Chief of Staff.  DHS oversees immigration and deportation enforcement throughout the United States.

Ms. Duke has a long career in both government and the private sector.  She worked for many years in the Department of Defense under both Republican and Democratic administrations.  Her positions included DHS’ Secretary for Management and Chief Procurement Officer, in which she oversaw the department’s budget; a deputy assistant administrator for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) following the September 11 attacks; and a member of the DHS Advisory Council.  In addition to her