Deborah Fleischaker appointed acting Chief Privacy Officer and Chief Freedom of Information Act Officer at DHS

Deborah Fleischaker has been named acting Chief Privacy Officer and Chief Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), according to a LinkedIn post from the DHS Privacy Office Chief of Staff. In her new role, Fleischaker will oversee the department's privacy and FOIA activities, ensuring the protection of individual privacy rights while fostering transparency within the agency.

Prior to this appointment, Fleischaker served as the Executive Secretary of DHS, where she was responsible for coordinating communications and ensuring a smooth flow of information between the Office of the Secretary and the various areas of DHS. Her extensive experience within the Department, including positions at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and DHS's Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, has given her a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding civil rights and privacy in the context of national security.

Fleischaker's career in public service extends beyond DHS. She previously worked for Senator Patrick J. Leahy, where she covered a wide range of issues for the Senate Judiciary Committee, including immigration, national security, and privacy rights. Her work in the legislative branch gave her valuable insight into the intersection of policy, law, and civil rights, which she applied to her roles in the executive branch.

With over twenty years of experience in leadership, management, advocacy, and policy, Fleischaker is well-suited to lead DHS's efforts to protect privacy and maintain transparency. Her legal background, including a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science degree from Vanderbilt University, complements her extensive policy expertise. She is a member of the Maryland and District of Columbia Bar Associations, underscoring her solid legal foundation.