NEW YORK, July 19 -- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has named Joseph Morris Jr. federal security director (FSD) for John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Morris arrives at TSA with experience in both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining TSA, he was a security and logistics consultant with the URS Corporation for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey at the World Trade Center Transportation Hub. On September 11, 2001, he took part in rescue operations and was designated the World Trade Center site commander in charge of directing police rescue and recovery operations.
A long-time law enforcement leader, Morris retired as chief of the Public Safety Department of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he served as acting superintendent following the events of September 11. During more than 31 years with the Port Authority police he filled a variety of positions, and in 2001 Morris directed patrol and aircraft rescue firefighting operations at LaGuardia Airport as the commanding officer.
"Joe Morris has a depth of knowledge and experience that is second to none when it comes to preventing and responding to any security threat," said Mo McGowan, TSA assistant administrator for Security Operations. "From his work at Ground Zero in 2001 to his long career in law enforcement, he will ensure we continue to build on the strong security foundation at JFK."
After obtaining a bachelor's degree in history from Upsala College, Morris graduated from the Port Authority Police Academy. He also attended the Police Command College at West Point Military Academy in 1990 and the FBI National Executive Institute in 2002.
