USA TODAY: President Obama named Julia Pierson, a longtime U.S. Secret Service agent, on Tuesday as the first female director of the agency, a pick that could mark a cultural shift for an agency that’s reputation was tarnished by last year’s prostitution scandal.
The selection of Pierson, 53, who has been the service’s chief of staff for more than four years, was lauded by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano as “historic.” Obama called Pierson an agent who has”consistently exemplified the spirit and dedication the men and women of the service demonstrate every day.”…
Pierson’s appointment comes nearly a year after the agency — charged with protecting the president and top administration officials and visiting dignitaries — was rocked by a prostitution scandal. Several agents, who traveled to Cartagena, Colombia, to do advance work for Obama’s visit last April, brought prostitutes back to their hotel rooms. Twelve agents were either disciplined or forced out of the agency as a result of the scandal.… (more)
