U.S. Secret Service Director to Retire After 30 Years

U.S. Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan, a 30-year veteran of the agency that protects American presidents and visiting dignitaries, will retire on Feb. 22, according to Brian Leary, a spokesman.

Sullivan, who began his Secret Service career in 1983, has been its director since 2006, when he was promoted from assistant director. He will retire as the third-longest-serving head of the agency, Leary said today.

“From securing large events such as presidential inaugurations to safeguarding our financial system, the men and women of the agency perform their mission with professionalism and dedication,” President Barack Obama said in a statement.“That is a testament to Mark and his steadfast leadership, which will be missed.”

Sullivan, a Massachusetts native, joined the Secret Service as a special agent in the Detroit Field Office and rose through the ranks to lead the agency’s more than 150 offices around the world. In 1991, Sullivan began work in the Presidential Protective Division, where he served for four years, according to his biography on the agency’s website.

“Mark Sullivan epitomizes the term ‘public service,’ and has devoted his life to the safety of our First Families, our nation’s leaders, and the public at large,” Homeland SecuritySecretary Janet Napolitano said in a statement. “I am deeply grateful for his contributions.”

A scandal arose at the agency last year, resulting in nine employees being either fired or voluntarily leaving. The departures followed allegations of misconduct involving prostitutes in Colombia, where members of the service were preparing security for a visit by Obama.  More 

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