January 6th, 2004

GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER APPOINTS RONALD L. IDEN DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the appointment of Ronald L. Iden as director of the Office of Homeland Security.

"Ron's lifelong commitment to protecting this country and preventing terrorism is a tremendous asset to my administration," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I know he will help provide the highest level of security and protection for all Californians."

Iden has served in law enforcement and counterterrorism for over 35 years. For the past 25 years, Iden has served in a variety of capacities at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Since 2001, he has served as assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. Prior to that, he served as the special agent in charge for terrorism, foreign counterintelligence, civil rights matters and financial crimes in that office for three years. From 1997 to 1998, he served in the FBI's Information Resources Division as deputy assistant director. From 1992 to 1996, Iden was assistant special agent in charge of the Los Angeles Field Office where he was responsible for violent crime investigations.

Before coming to California, he served in the FBI national headquarters, first as the supervising agent for the investigation of the murder of a federal judge and later, as the chief of the Public Corruption Unit. From 1984 to 1988, Iden was stationed in San Juan, Puerto Rico as the supervisory special agent for counterterrorism. He began his service with the FBI as a special agent in 1978 in San Antonio, TX. Before joining the FBI, Iden served for ten years as a police officer with the Elk Grove Police Department in Elk Grove, Illinois.

"I am honored that Governor Schwarzenegger has asked me to join his administration and has entrusted me with the state's homeland security mission," said Iden.

Iden, 56, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Illinois and a Master of Public Administration from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He is originally from Chicago, and currently resides in Thousand Oaks, CA. Iden is registered decline to state. This position does not require Senate confirmation.

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