Peter Neffenger
Former Head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) & Vice Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.)
Best known for transforming the TSA from a widely criticized…
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Full Bio
Best known for transforming the TSA from a widely criticized entity that had lost public and media confidence into a specialized and highly proficient counterterrorism agency, Admiral Peter Neffenger spearheaded one of the public sector’s most hailed turnarounds. Appointed by President Obama on the heels of a damning Inspector General report that found multiple security lapses at U.S. airport screening checkpoints, Admiral Neffenger created a national training academy for TSA agents, championed innovative partnerships with airlines to fund state-of-the-art technology at checkpoints, and improved public satisfaction by virtually eliminating the hours-long lines plaguing major hubs during peak travel times. His “TSA Roadmap” detailing the step-by-step process and leadership philosophy that inspired a workforce of 60,000 to dramatically reinvent itself has become required reading in both the public and private sectors.
Before joining the TSA, Admiral Neffenger had a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving most recently as its 29th Vice Commandant. Previously, he was the Coast Guard’s Deputy Commandant for Operations, directing strategy, capital resources and doctrine for forces stationed around the world. Admiral Neffenger is a renowned expert in crisis management and emergency response, garnering an exceptional reputation in this field as the Deputy National Incident Commander for the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In this role, he coordinated more than 50,000 people in the response to the largest and most complex maritime oil spill in U.S. history. He holds a M.P.A. from Harvard University, a M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a M.A. in Business Management from Central Michigan University. Actively engaged in international issues, he is a member of the Pacific Council on International Policy and has served as the US Head of Delegation to the Arctic Council, the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization, addressing global issues of safety, security and operational challenges.
Sharing his unique experiences from 30+ years of commanding complex missions and directing strategic and operational responses to numerous crisis situations, Admiral Neffenger is an accomplished public speaker who has testified before the U.S. Congress more than 20 times and delivered empowering keynotes to a wide range of audiences. Combining his TSA background with decades in maritime law enforcement and transportation safety and security, he brings a high-level, yet accessible perspective on current homeland security and terrorism risks, especially within our nation’s air travel and ground transportation systems. Inspiring, informative and always entertaining, Admiral Neffenger provides organizations and their leaders with actionable insights for transforming organizations, inspiring workforces, leveraging crisis, radically changing perceptions, and most importantly, delivering meaningful results.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Righting the Ship: Taking Challenged Organizations from Crisis to Competence
How Systems Fail the People They Serve: Redefining, Empowering & Engaging Your Workforce
Leveraging Crisis: It’s Inevitable, So Be Prepared to Use It to your Advantage
Videos
Taking the TSA from Crisis to Competence - Peter Neffenger
Redefining the TSA - Peter Neffenger
Books
News
Testimonials
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