Vice Adm. (Ret.) Admiral David Pekoske

Vice Admiral (Ret.) David Pekoske serves on the board of advisors for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ (FDD’s) Center for Cyber and Technology Innovation (CCTI).

 David is an experienced senior executive in the fields of strategic and operational leadership, innovation and national security. He led the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for over 7 years, the longest tenure in the administration’s  history, during which he served as acting secretary of homeland security in early 2021 and as the senior official performing the duties of the deputy secretary in 2019 and 2021. 

He served in the U.S. Coast Guard until his retirement from active duty as a Vice Admiral in 2010. As a flag officer, he served as commander of the Northeast District, assistant commandant for operations, commander of the Pacific Area and vice commandant. David was a commissioner on the Cyberspace Solarium Commission and is a three-time recipient of the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal, the Department’s highest award.