The Senate on Thursday confirmed Denise O’Donnell by unanimous consent to lead the Justice Department Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Denise O'Donnell (photo by Andrew Ramonas/Main Justice)
President Barack Obama nominated her twice for Bureau of Justice Assistance Director. He first nominated her on Dec. 13, and the Senate Judiciary Committee didn’t consider her before the Senate adjourned sine die on Dec. 22. The president renominated her on Jan. 5.
O’Donnell most recently served as the New York State Deputy Secretary for Public Safety. She resigned last year after it was reported that then-New York Gov. David Paterson (D) inappropriately interceded in harassment allegations concerning one of his staffers.
O’Donnell also was the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York from 1997 to 2001. She joined the office as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 1985.
She will replace acting Director James H. Burch II, who has led the bureau since Domingo S. Herraiz resigned in 2009.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance provides local, state and tribal law enforcement with funds and support for their initiatives.
