More than a year after being nominated by the White House, the Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Thomas Harrigan as the number two person at DEA.
“I cannot think of a better, more qualified, or more honorable person to have at my side than Special Agent Tom Harrigan as we lead the Drug Enforcement Administration through the many challenges we will face and the many successes we will have in the coming years,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart in a statement.
“Tom demonstrated strong leadership and dedication in the field, and his strategic vision as Chief of Operations has been second to none. Special Agent Harrigan’s confirmation enhances our nation’s safety and security by placing a proven, well respected career agent in this critical position at DEA.”
Harrigan, a well respected figure in the DEA, has been the Chief of Operations. He started his career with the agency in 1987 and was assigned to the Bangkok in 1991.
After that, according to the White House, “he has served as Group Supervisor in the Newark Field Division, Staff Coordinator in the Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, Chief of the Dangerous Drugs and Chemicals Section, and Deputy Chief in the Office of Domestic Operations. He also served as Senior Advisor to the Chief of Domestic Operations and as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge in the Washington Field Office.
In 2004, Mr. Harrigan was appointed to the Senior Executive Service to serve as the Chief of Enforcement Operations.
“I am so pleased to hear of DEA Special Agent Harrigan’s confirmation as Deputy Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration,” John “Jack” C. Lawn, DEA Administrator from 1985 to 1990 said in a statement. “Tom’s more than 25 years of experience both in domestic and international operations and his exceptional management skills make him uniquely qualified for this position. As Deputy Administrator, he solidifies this leadership role whose responsibilities will be so important to DEA’s future. He now speaks from a position of strength as DEA’s Deputy Administrator.”
