Mr. Austin Gould

Austin Gould is the Acting Executive Assistant Administrator. He is responsible for strengthening TSA’s operational capabilities and driving optimal mission performance through analysis and innovation. Gould has served in this role since June 2018 and is a member of the Senior Executive Service.

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As the TSA Component Requirements Executive, Gould identifies the operational requirements for transportation security equipment at airports nationwide. He also directs TSA’s capability management functions, ensuring robust support of equipment across the enterprise. In addition, Gould supervises the TSA risk analytics and procedures groups and serves as Chairman of the Department of Homeland Security Joint Requirements Council.

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Prior to joining TSA, Gould served as a Captain in the U.S. Coast Guard. During his 30-year Coast Guard career, he worked in a variety of operational and acquisition management positions. As the Coast Guard Boat Forces Capability Manager, he was responsible for the procurement, configuration management and support of the Coast Guard’s fleet of 2000 boats.

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As the Program Manager for the Coast Guard Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Program, Gould led efforts to identify and test innovative technologies to improve operational capabilities. He orchestrated all test and evaluation activities for the Coast Guard, ensuring assets met or exceeded operational requirements.

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Gould served as the Commander of Coast Guard Sector Miami and the Chief of Staff for the Seventh Coast Guard District. He oversaw search and rescue, law enforcement, and pollution response for the Coast Guard’s largest Sector. Gould was also responsible for the safety and security of over 11 million cruise ship passengers traveling through Port Miami and Port Everglades annually.

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Gould was second in command of the largest Coast Guard District, encompassing North Carolina south to the Gulf of Mexico and Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean. He coordinated the unprecedented response to the 2017 hurricane season, when Hurricanes Irma and Maria impacted the entire region.

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Gould holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Government from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a Master of Business Administration degree from New York University. He is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School in Acquisition Management and holds a Department of Homeland Security Level III Acquisition Program Management Certificate.