Jesús M. Serrano has been named the Federal Security Director (FSD) for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he will oversee security operations at five international airports and manage the screening of over nine million travelers annually throughout the Caribbean. As FSD, Mr. Serrano will lead a dedicated workforce of more than 500 security professionals responsible for passenger and baggage screening, emergency preparedness and response, compliance with federal security protocols, and serving as the primary interlocutor between TSA, aviation partners, and law enforcement entities.
Mr. Serrano previously served as TSA’s Senior Liaison Officer to the Department of State (DoS), where he worked to align TSA’s international transportation operations with the America First Foreign Policy. During his tenure, he played a key role in developing processes to secure interagency approvals for TSA’s international binding agreements, supported the evacuation of over 50,000 U.S. citizens as a member of the DoS Middle East Task Force during Operation Epic Fury, assisted with interagency coordination to lift the seven-year suspension of commercial aviation between the U.S. and Venezuela, and provided technical advice on commercial aviation operations over and near conflict zones.
A distinguished member of the Senior Executive Service, Mr. Serrano brings more than twenty-five years of unwavering commitment to federal service. His career began in 2000 as a Civil Aviation Security Specialist with the Federal Aviation Administration. In the wake of the September 11 attacks, Mr. Serrano played a pivotal role in federalizing airports in South Florida, ensuring the successful transition of screening operations from private security contractors to the newly formed Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Throughout his career, he has held several leadership positions, including serving as Deputy Federal Security Director (DFSD) at Tampa International Airport, where he was recognized by TSA as DFSD of the Year. He also served as TSA Representative for Central America and the Dominican Republic, where he shaped transportation security policy in the region by securing multiple international agreements with foreign governments.
This appointment marks a homecoming for Mr. Serrano, who said in a statement to Homeland Security Today that he is eager to return to Puerto Rico after 26 years and serve the island that shaped his early life and education.
