By Jolie Lee
Federal News Radio

Richard Skinner is retiring as the inspector general for the Department of Homeland Security.

His last day is March 1.

Skinner’s office was charged with investigating waste and abuse within DHS ranks and contractors. Most recently, the DHS Office of the Inspector General released an annual performance plan in October that outlines new goals, including preventing terrorism, securing the nation’s borders and responding to disasters.

Skinner was confirmed as IG on July 28, 2005. Prior to his confirmation, he held the position of Deputy Inspector General since March 1, 2003, when the department was created.

Although DHS is a young agency, Skinner told Federal News Radio, “I think the department is making tremendous progress, particularly over the last three to four years.”

In his resignation letter dated Jan. 13, Skinner said he wants to retire in order to “give my full time attention to my family and personal endeavors.”

He wrote, “Looking back over the past 9 years since the tragic events on September 11, 2001, we, as a nation, are now beginning to witness the positive effects of the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.”

Skinner’s federal career spans 42 years, starting in 1969 at the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Agriculture.

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