(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.