President George W. Bush has nominated John Magaw to the newly created post of undersecretary of transportation security, one of the most powerful government positions created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The Transportation Security Administration, which Magaw will head, was created under the Transportation Security Act that was signed into law last month. That new agency will be responsible for overseeing and improving security in all modes of transportation.

Magaw was acting executive director of the Office of National Preparedness within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He is a former director of the U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Magaw was selected to head the ATF as the organization emerged from the crisis that followed the Waco, Texas, and Oklahoma City bombing tragedies, according to a Department of Transportation statement.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Magaw holds a bachelor's of science degree in education from Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio. He began his career with the U.S. Secret Service in 1967 and became director in 1992. He received the 1991 and 1999 Presidential Rank Meritorious Awards and the 1995 Presidential Rank Distinguished Award for outstanding service.

In announcing the appointment, DOT Secretary Norman Mineta said, "In today's world of ever-present threats, John Magaw is a man whose unprecedented career in law enforcement will ensure that the United States continues to provide all Americans with the highest possible level of safety and security."