TSA Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

TSA has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, technology, and finance.

Driven by a mission to secure the traveling public, TSA is dedicated to ensuring the highest levels of security across all modes of transportation through rigorous screening and intelligence-driven operations.

Leadership Roles at TSA

  • Chief Executive Officer - HyunCheol Bae
  • Chief Financial Officer - Bonnie Saunders
  • President - M. Pedersen
  • Chief of Staff - Ryan Propis
  • Chief Marketing Officer - John Sammon
  • Chief Information Officer - Vladimir Kutelmakh
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Myung Kim
  • IT Assistant Administrator & Chief Information Officer - Opeyemi Oshinnaiye
  • Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA), Deputy Chief Information Officer - Kristin Ruiz
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Janene Corrado
  • HyunCheol Bae - Chief Executive Officer

    HyunCheol Bae, the Chief Executive Officer at TSA, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for the organization. This leadership role involves setting the vision for transportation security across the United States, ensuring compliance with federal mandates, and driving innovation in screening technologies and methodologies. Bae's executive decisions directly impact the safety of air, land, and sea travel, coordinating efforts across multiple departments to maintain a secure transportation network. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering inter-agency collaboration and representing TSA in high-level governmental discussions regarding national security. By focusing on robust security protocols, HyunCheol Bae ensures the TSA effectively exercises authority over the security of the traveling public, upholding the agency's core mission.

    Bonnie Saunders - Chief Financial Officer

    Bonnie Saunders, the Chief Financial Officer at TSA, oversees the agency's financial planning, budgeting, and resource management. This executive position is responsible for ensuring fiscal responsibility and the efficient allocation of funds to support TSA's security operations nationwide. Saunders manages financial reporting, audits, and compliance with governmental financial regulations, safeguarding taxpayer resources. The Chief Financial Officer's strategic financial guidance is essential for sustaining and enhancing the agency's capacity to screen travelers and secure transportation systems. By maintaining strong financial controls, Bonnie Saunders ensures that the TSA can effectively execute its mission to protect the traveling public and uphold national security standards.

    M. Pedersen - President

    M. Pedersen, the President at TSA, holds a significant leadership position focused on driving the agency's operational effectiveness and strategic direction. This role involves overseeing key aspects of transportation security, ensuring that screening processes and security protocols meet the highest standards. Pedersen's leadership is critical in coordinating efforts to protect the traveling public and maintain the integrity of the national transportation system. The President's responsibilities extend to fostering a culture of security excellence and implementing policies that enhance safety and efficiency. By directing critical operational functions, M. Pedersen ensures that the TSA effectively fulfills its mandate to secure air, land, and sea travel across the United States.

    Ryan Propis - Chief of Staff

    Ryan Propis, the Chief of Staff at TSA, manages the executive office and facilitates the seamless execution of strategic initiatives. This position involves coordinating communication between the Chief Executive Officer and other senior leaders, ensuring alignment on policy development and operational priorities. Propis oversees the administrative functions critical to the agency's daily operations, including resource allocation and interdepartmental project management. The Chief of Staff's role is pivotal in streamlining decision-making processes and ensuring that the TSA's objectives are met efficiently. By providing direct support to the Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Propis enhances the effectiveness of leadership, driving forward the TSA's mandate to secure the traveling public through coordinated efforts and strategic oversight.

    John Sammon - Chief Marketing Officer

    John Sammon, the Chief Marketing Officer at TSA, leads the strategic communication and public engagement efforts for the organization. This role focuses on developing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies that inform the public about security procedures and foster cooperation with TSA initiatives. Sammon oversees the creation of public awareness campaigns, manages the agency's brand identity, and ensures clear, consistent messaging across all communication channels. The Chief Marketing Officer's responsibilities include analyzing public sentiment and adapting communication strategies to address evolving security landscapes and traveler needs. By enhancing public understanding and trust, John Sammon supports the TSA's mission to secure the traveling public, ensuring that security measures are effectively communicated and understood nationwide.
    John Sammon

    Vladimir Kutelmakh - Chief Information Officer

    Vladimir Kutelmakh, the Chief Information Officer at TSA, directs the agency's information technology strategy and infrastructure. This critical role involves overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of secure and efficient IT systems that support TSA's operational needs, including screening technologies and data management. Kutelmakh is responsible for ensuring the cybersecurity of sensitive information and protecting the agency's digital assets from threats. The Chief Information Officer's purview includes managing IT budgets, leading technology innovation, and ensuring that all technological solutions align with the TSA's mission of securing the traveling public. By advancing technological capabilities, Vladimir Kutelmakh enhances the agency's ability to detect and prevent security risks across the transportation network.
    Vladimir Kutelmakh

    Myung Kim - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Myung Kim, the Deputy Chief of Staff at TSA, provides critical support to the Chief of Staff in managing the executive office and advancing key organizational objectives. This role involves assisting in the coordination of interdepartmental initiatives, facilitating communication flows, and ensuring the efficient operation of administrative processes. Kim's responsibilities include supporting policy implementation and monitoring progress on strategic projects that enhance transportation security. The Deputy Chief of Staff plays a vital part in ensuring that the TSA's operational directives are effectively translated into actionable plans. By contributing to the streamlined management of the executive function, Myung Kim supports the TSA's overarching mission to secure the traveling public.

    Opeyemi Oshinnaiye - IT Assistant Administrator & Chief Information Officer

    Opeyemi Oshinnaiye, the IT Assistant Administrator & Chief Information Officer at TSA, shares responsibility for the agency's information technology infrastructure and strategic direction. This dual role involves overseeing the implementation of advanced IT solutions that bolster security screening capabilities and data analysis. Oshinnaiye focuses on ensuring the reliability and scalability of technology systems, supporting TSA's mission to protect the traveling public. The IT Assistant Administrator & Chief Information Officer's work is crucial for maintaining operational continuity and adapting to emerging technological challenges in the security sector. By driving technological advancements, Opeyemi Oshinnaiye enhances the TSA's capacity to safeguard transportation networks through robust and secure IT operations.

    Kristin Ruiz - Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA), Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Kristin Ruiz, the Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA), Deputy Chief Information Officer at TSA, collaborates on the strategic oversight of the agency's information technology operations. This position supports the Chief Information Officer in managing IT infrastructure, cybersecurity protocols, and the deployment of new technologies to enhance transportation security. Ruiz's contributions are vital in ensuring that IT systems effectively support TSA's mandate to screen travelers and maintain secure travel environments. The Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA), Deputy Chief Information Officer's focus includes optimizing IT resources and driving innovation to meet evolving security demands. By assisting in the management of critical IT functions, Kristin Ruiz strengthens the TSA's ability to protect the traveling public through secure and efficient technology.

    Janene Corrado - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Janene Corrado, the Deputy Chief of Staff at TSA, supports the Chief of Staff in executing the agency's strategic agenda and managing internal operations. This role involves coordinating cross-functional projects, facilitating executive-level decision-making, and ensuring effective communication across TSA departments. Corrado's responsibilities include monitoring the progress of key initiatives aimed at enhancing transportation security and traveler safety. The Deputy Chief of Staff's work is essential for maintaining organizational efficiency and alignment with the TSA's core mission. By providing dedicated support to the executive leadership, Janene Corrado contributes to the robust implementation of security measures designed to protect the traveling public.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Federal

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding TSA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads TSA?
    TSA is led by HyunCheol Bae (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Bonnie Saunders (Chief Financial Officer) and M. Pedersen (President).
    Who is part of TSA’s executive team?
    The executive team of TSA includes leaders such as HyunCheol Bae (Chief Executive Officer), Bonnie Saunders (Chief Financial Officer), M. Pedersen (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does TSA have?
    TSA has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in TSA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of TSA includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief of Staff, Chief Marketing Officer.