(Washington, D.C.) – United States Secret Service Director Joseph P. Clancy is announcing his retirement on March 4, 2017, after 30 years of public service to his country. Mr. Clancy served as the agency’s Director for two years, during which time he successfully led the men and women of the Secret Service during the most complex and demanding protective operations in the agency’s 151 year history. On his watch, Mr. Clancy flawlessly executed ten National Special Security Events as well as navigating the agency through the dynamic pace of the 2016 Presidential Campaign.
Mr. Clancy, a native Philadelphian, began his career in 1984, in the agency’s Philadelphia Field Office. His other assignments included the New York Field Office, Office of Congressional Affairs, Inspection Division and the Presidential Protective Division, where he served as the Special Agent in Charge. Mr. Clancy retired from the Secret Service in 2011 and worked in the private sector for three years. In October 2014, the Obama Administration asked him to accept the position of Acting Director on an interim basis. In February 2015, President Obama appointed him as the 24th Director of the Secret Service.
Mr. Clancy was best known by Secret Service employees as a sincere and genuine leader, who walked the line to engage his people. He understood the challenges faced by the frontline agents, officers and professional staff, and it was that understanding that guided his sound decisions. While his focus remained on the mission, he strove to improve the quality of life challenges, which faced his people. His accomplishments in this endeavor included record increases in recruiting and hiring. His personal and soft spoken style will be greatly missed as the agency continues its role to safeguard the executive branch of government and the nation’s financial systems.
The Secret Service family is grateful for his extraordinary leadership, and wishes him all the best in his next chapter of his life.