John Pistole

John S. Pistole, former FBI Deputy Director and Executive Assistant Director for national security, and former Administrator of the Transportation Security and Administration, became President of Anderson University (Anderson, Ind.) on March 1, 2015, the fifth person in the 100-year history of the University to serve as president.

In 1983, Pistole began his 26-year career with the FBI. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, Pistole was placed in charge of the FBI’s counterterrorism (CT) program, eventually becoming the FBI’s Executive Assistant Director for national security (CT and Counterintelligence). In 2004, Pistole was named Deputy Director for the FBI and served for nearly six years, working closely with Director Robert Mueller. In March 2006, Pistole was awarded the Presidential Rank of Distinguished Executive. In 2007, Pistole received the Department of Justice Edward H. Levi Award for Outstanding Professionalism and Exemplary Integrity. In 2010, he was awarded the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal by the Office of Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

Also in 2010, President Obama nominated and the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Pistole to be the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In his role as Administrator of the TSA, Pistole led a 60,000-strong workforce and the security operations of more than 450 airports throughout the United States, while engaging international partners extensively. He served as Administrator for 4 ½ years and remains the longest-serving Administrator.

Pistole earned his bachelor’s degree, cum laude from Anderson University in 1978. He went on to earn a juris doctorate (J.D.) from the Robert H. McKinney School of Law at Indiana University before going into practice for two years. In 2006, Anderson University honored Pistole with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree. In 2009, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Robert H. McKinney School of Law at Indiana University.

He has served on the ODNI Senior Advisory Group and the Aspen Institute Homeland Security Group, now known as the Homeland Security Experts Group. He is a member of the Board of Visitors for the National Intelligence University. He also serves as an Advisor for companies primarily dealing with national security and/or transportation matters. Locally, he serves on the Boards of the Madison County Foundation and Ascension St. Vincent Anderson Regional Hospital.