US President Barack Obama has chosen veteran agent Julia Pierson as Secret Service director, the first woman to lead the male-dominated agency, a year after its reputation was tarnished by a scandal involving agents and prostitutes in Colombia.

Pierson, currently serving as the agency's chief of staff, will replace Mark Sullivan, who retired in February and was in charge during the Colombia scandal. The Secret Service has been criticized for having an insular, male-dominated culture, and Pierson's appointment also comes as Obama fends off criticism that his second-term picks for high-level posts have not included enough women and minority candidates.

The president has since appointed a number of women and minorities into his administration, including Sally Jewell to lead the Department of Interior and Thomas Perez for labor secretary.

'Eminently qualified'

In a statement released by the White House, Obama applauded Pierson's more than 30 years of experience with the Secret Service. "Julia is eminently qualified to lead the agency that not only safeguards Americans at major events and secures our financial system, but also protects our leaders and our first families, including my own. Julia has had an exemplary career, and I know these experiences will guide her as she takes on this new challenge to lead the impressive men and women of this important agency."

The agency, under the Department of Homeland Security, has the task of protecting the country's political leaders, including the president, and of investigating financial crimes.

Pierson, a native of Florida, began her career as a special agent with the Miami field office in 1983. The director's position does not require confirmation by the US Senate.

Starting in 1988, Pierson served four years with the Presidential Protective Division, and she became deputy assistant director of the Office of Protective Operations in 2005.

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley said: "Miss Pierson has a lot of work ahead of her to create a culture that respects the important job the agency is tasked with. I hope she succeeds in restoring lost credibility in the Secret Service."

Reuters-Xinhua

(China Daily 03/28/2013 page12)