WASHINGTON — President Obama yesterday appointed the first female chief of the Secret Service.
Julia Pierson, 53, who has more than 30 years with the agency that protects the president, will replace Mark Sullivan, who stepped down in February.
Pierson has served as chief of staff of the agency, which became embroiled in scandal last year when several agents were caught with prostitutes in Colombia prior to an Obama visit.
Her appointment is aimed at ridding the agency of its fraternity-like culture. It also helps Obama deflect criticism for the lack of diversity in his Cabinet.
Pierson will not have to be confirmed by the Senate.
Critics like US Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) say Pierson has her work cut out for her.
“During the Colombia prostitution scandal, the Secret Service lost the trust of many Americans, and failed to live up to the high expectations placed on it,” Grassley said. “Ms. Pierson has a lot of work ahead of her to create a culture that respects the important job the agency is tasked with.”