R&D chief McQueary to step down at Homeland Security

Charles McQueary, the Homeland Security Department's top research and development director, will resign effective March 25.

McQueary, undersecretary for science and technology, announced his resignation in a letter dated Feb. 10 to President Bush. McQueary wrote that he has fulfilled his goals since joining the agency at its formation in March 2003. He indicated no immediate future plans.

"My objectives have been to build an excellent technical team to lead the research and developments for the department, and to launch breakthrough research and development programs to make a difference in our nation's protection from catastrophic events," McQueary wrote. The first objective has been achieved, while the second is "nearing fruition," he wrote.

McQueary was in charge of the Homeland Security Research Projects Agency that funds anti-terrorism technical research in the private sector. He oversaw government laboratory efforts to evaluate anti-terrorism technologies for certification under the Safety Act and to develop countermeasures against weapons of mass destruction.

Last week, the White House announced it would seek a 31 percent reduction in budget authority for the Science and Technology Directorate, headed by McQueary. The administration proposed $1 billion for fiscal 2007, down from $1.47 billion in 2006. Most of the decrease comes from the transfer of $315 million to the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office.

Before joining DHS, McQueary was president of General Dynamics Advanced Technology systems in Greensboro, N.C., and also had been president and vice president of business units for AT&T Corp. and Lucent Technologies, and a director of AT&T Bell Laboratories.

McQueary earned a doctorate in engineering mechanics from the University of Texas.