The Department of Homeland Security has announced that Pia Carusone, former Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, has been appointed as the new Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. Ms. Carusone will advise the Secretary on all matters related to public affairs, as well as overseeing strategic and internal communications. Ms. Carusone and her team will be responsible for coordinating the public affairs activities of all the Department’s components and offices, and serve as the federal government’s lead public information office during national emergencies or disasters.

During her tenure with Congresswoman Giffords, she oversaw all border security and homeland security issues for the office. Following the shooting in Tucson, Ms. Carusone served as the national spokesperson for the Congresswoman and her family.