Kathleen Watson named DSS acting director
DOD attorney takes reins of organization tasked with processing security clearances.
Kathleen Watson, an attorney in the Defense Department’s Office of General Counsel, has been named acting director of the Defense Security Service, according to a DSS announcement. The appointment was effective May 30.
Watson brings 20 years of experience in the intelligence community to her new role overseeing the security clearance process, according to the announcement. In her most recent role as a DOD attorney, she provided legal support to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. In that role, she was involved in the full spectrum of intelligence issues, according to DSS.
DSS and DOD’s Counterintelligence Field Activity are considering a merger, a move recommended in the most recent Base Realignment and Closing report, the statement said. A combined organization would optimize the work force, reduce management overhead, integrate analytical resources and create greater synergy between security and counterintelligence missions.
Janice Haith, DSS's former acting director, has been detailed to the Office of the secretary of the Air Force. She had been the acting director since November 2005. She also served as DSS’ chief operating officer and chief information officer. No replacements for those positions have been named yet.