Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill will depart the agency on September 3 and return to the private sector after nearly a year and a half leading the organization.
McNeill, who was recognized as a Homeland Security Today 2025 Trailblazer, announced her departure in a statement reflecting on her time at TSA and the agency’s work during her tenure. Her next role has not been announced.
“After leading the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for nearly a year and a half, I will be departing the agency on September 3rd.”
“It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead an organization entrusted with securing our nation’s most critical infrastructure and transportation systems. I am incredibly proud of what the men and women of TSA accomplished during this time.”
McNeill became acting administrator of TSA in April 2025. During her tenure, she oversaw agency efforts involving transportation security operations, Counter-UAS expansion, technology modernization initiatives, and passenger experience programs.
Her background includes previous leadership roles within TSA, including serving as Chief of Staff from 2017 to 2019 and earlier work with the agency’s Office of Global Strategies.
Before returning to TSA leadership, McNeill served as Senior Vice President for Digital Identity Growth at BigBear.ai and held executive roles at Pangiam. She also previously served as Director for Aviation Security at the National Security Council and held positions with the Department of Homeland Security, DHS Science and Technology Directorate, and the Office of Management and Budget.
McNeill’s federal career has included work across aviation security, international engagement, policy, and technology initiatives. She said she plans to return to the private sector, with details of her next position yet to be announced.
