Chertoff fills new policy position

Richard Barth has been appointed the first assistant secretary for policy development at the Homeland Security Department, Secretary Michael Chertoff announced today.

Barth joins DHS after 12 years at Motorola, most recently as corporate vice president for homeland security strategy.

During his tenure at Motorola, he led teams that brought together federal, state and local public safety officials to implement strategies for interoperable communications, and he ensured that spectrum requirements were met for new business products.

According to the statement, Barth also has considerable experience in international trade and economics, having worked as director of international economic affairs at the White House and served in related positions at the Treasury and Commerce departments. He is a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., and holds a doctorate in inorganic chemistry from the University of Maryland.

“I am gratified that Rich has returned to public service once more as part the department’s Policy Directorate,” Chertoff said in the statement. “I will rely on him for his expertise and initiative in developing and implementing our top policy objectives.”