Plenary Session: Collaboration Against Emerging Threats

David Pekoske was first confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Transportation Security Administration’s seventh administrator in August 2017 and was reconfirmed for a second term in September 2022. Pekoske leads a workforce of over 60,000 employees and is responsible for security operations at nearly 440 airports throughout the United States. TSA is also the lead federal agency for security of highways, railroads, mass transit systems and pipelines. Under his leadership, TSA improved transportation security through close partnerships and alliances, a culture of innovation, and development of a dedicated workforce.

During his tenure as TSA Administrator, Pekoske also served at the Department of Homeland Security as Acting Secretary from January 20 to February 2, 2021, and as the Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Secretary from April to November 2019, and again from February to June 2021. At the Department, Pekoske helped lead a unified national effort to ensure the continued security of the United States, coordinating components with missions ranging from prevention and protection to recovery and response. He was also a commissioner on the Cyberspace Solarium Commission that developed a consensus on a strategic approach to defending the United States in cyberspace against attacks of significant consequence.

Before joining TSA, Pekoske was an executive in the government services industry, where he led teams that provided counterterrorism, security and intelligence support services to government agencies. Pekoske served as the 26th Vice Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, culminating a Coast Guard career that included extensive operational and command experience. As the Vice Commandant, Pekoske was second in command, also serving as Chief Operating Officer and Component Acquisition Executive of the Coast Guard. He is a recognized expert in crisis management, strategic planning, innovation, and aviation, surface transportation and maritime security. In addition, he has been twice awarded the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal.

Pekoske holds a Master of Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Gary Tomasulo is Vice President of Corporate Security at American Airlines. He leads the airline’s corporate security team and represents American Airlines security-related interests and priorities at the local, state, federal, and international levels.

Gary joined American in 2019 after 28 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard. Most recently, Gary was Managing Director of Corporate Security and Chief Security Officer, where he oversaw the airline’s domestic and international security programs, investigations; fraud and revenue Protection; crew and operations security; and regulatory compliance and border security.    

Prior to joining the airline, Gary served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Border and Transportation Security at the National Security Council. He was also Director of Western Hemisphere Affairs on the National Security Council during the Bush and Obama Administrations. Earlier in his career, Gary served as a Foreign Policy and Trade Advisor to U.S. Senator Mike DeWine from Ohio.

Gary holds a Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University School of Law, a Master of Business Administration degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the United States Coast Guard Academy.

Patty Cogswell is a strategic advisor and former homeland and national security executive, working in the areas of organization and mission transformation and redesign.

Prior to her arrival at Guidehouse, Patty led national security organizations at the Department of Homeland Security, the National Securitv Council, and Department of Justice, in transportation, intelligence, policy, border security, screening, information sharing initiatives, and counterterrorism. She led complex strategic, operational, and information technology programs, in the law enforcement, homeland security, and intelligence communities, as well as with international partners.