Clear appoints former TSA executive Vice President of Operational Security

Jul 16, 2019, 4:15 pm EDT | Stephen Mayhew

Categories Biometrics News | Trade Notes

Biometric identity membership platform Clear announced today that Rod Allison, former Acting Deputy Administrator of the TSA has joined Clear as Vice President of Operational Security. Allison is expected to support the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen homeland security, enhance key partnerships and improve the customer experience across the network.

“Security has always been at the forefront of Clear’s mission and Rod has been on the front lines protecting the homeland his entire career,” says Howard Kass, Clear’s EVP of Corporate Affairs. “His leadership and insight will be invaluable as we continue to deliver more efficient and secure experiences for our members and all travelers.”

Allison held a variety of leadership roles at TSA for more than fifteen years before joining Clear, including most recently as the Acting Deputy Administrator. He has also served as the Director of the Federal Air Marshal Service, Acting Chief of Staff, and Acting Chief of Operations. Rod began his career in the intelligence field with the United States Army.

“Clear’s vision for enhancing security and improving the customer experience is a natural extension of the work I did while at the TSA,” says Allison. “After more than 30 years in government service, I didn’t expect to come out of retirement but when the chance to work with the Clear team presented itself, I jumped at the opportunity.”

Clear’s biometric identity membership platform is available in more than 50 airports and sports stadiums across the United States and in select cities can be used to buy food and drinks and prove legal age for alcohol purchases. There are more than three million Clear members in the United States.

In January Clear announced a new round of financing which is being used to accelerate the continued expansion of Clear’s platform and its airport and stadium network into new verticals. The company was recently named to the CNBC Disruptor 50 list for its work in biometric payments, age validation, and changing travel experiences. CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker and President Ken Cornick were named winners of the 2019 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Award for the New York Region.