Media Contact: Elizabeth Sicuso, (202) 333-4444, [email protected]

Washington
,
Jul 14, 2009
 –
Sec. Napolitano Appoints Catalyst Partner’s Randy Beardsworth to 60-Day Review of Homeland Security Color Coded Advisory System

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano today named Catalyst Partners’ Randy Beardsworth to a special task force charged with conducting a review of the effectiveness of the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS).

Napolitano announced the creation of the task force today and, along with Beardsworth, the other members of the panel. Fran Townsend, the former Homeland Security Advisor to President George Bush, and Judge William Webster, the former director of both the FBI and the CIA, were appointed as co-chairs of the task force.

“The effectiveness of the color-coded advisory system has been a matter of public debate for a number of years now, and I’m humbled and honored that Secretary Napolitano has appointed me to serve with such a prestigious team to review this critical issue,” said Beardsworth. “I think it’s important that we not go into the process with any pre-set opinions, but it’s equally important that we find consensus on what type of system is best suited to communicating with the public about threats we may face in the future.”

As the former DHS Assistant Secretary for Strategic Planning, Beardsworth brings an extensive background and expertise in homeland security issues that will be invaluable to the task force. He was instrumental in creating the department’s long-range vision and identifying over-the-horizon issues for DHS’s counterterrorism strategic planning.

Prior to his service at DHS, Beardsworth has worked on the staff of the National Security Council and spent more than 30 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. Most recently, Beardsworth has been engaged in various transition activities with the Obama administration, including co-chairing the Presidential Study Directive team that reviewed the White House organization for homeland security and counterterrorism.  This review led to the integration of the Homeland Security Council staff and the National Security Council staff within the White House.

Beardsworth retired from the federal government and joined Catalyst Partners in 2008, where he offers strategic consulting and advice to the firm’s various homeland security clients.

About Catalyst Partners
Catalyst Partners, L.L.C., is a Washington, D.C. based government relations, business development and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 100 companies, major trade associations and small businesses. Catalyst’s primary focus is in helping its clients negotiate the federal and state marketplace for homeland security and homeland defense products and services.  Catalyst Partners was named by The Hill newspaper as one of the most influential homeland security consulting firms in Washington.