TSA names Mary Leftridge security chief for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

ATLANTA , May 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has named Mary Leftridge Byrd as the federal security director for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

"A strong and dynamic leader, Mary has a proven track record in helping large organizations achieve success," said Lee Kair , TSA's assistant administrator for Security Operations. "Her energy and determination will be real assets as she leads TSA operations at the world's busiest airport."

Leftridge Byrd began her career in criminal justice and law enforcement in 1974. She has served as warden and superintendent of medium and maximum security institutions in Pennsylvania and Maryland . Most recently, she was the assistant and deputy secretary with the Washington State Department of Corrections.

Leftridge Byrd holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University. She has been recognized for professional excellence and in 2005 received the criminal justice professional of the year award from the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. In 2008 she was elected to the American Correctional Association, National Board of Governors.

For more information about TSA, please visit our Web site at www.tsa.gov.