A McLean Secret Neighbor Saying Goodbye

Michael Leiter, head of the nation’s main counterterrorism center and one of McLean's secret neighbors, is resigning after four and a half years, The New York Times reported recently.

The job of the head of the National Counterterrorism Center  has increasingly focused on detecting and thwarting smaller and more diverse terrorist plots, the Times said.

Leiter, 42, one of the few senior national security officials from the Bush administration that President Obama kept on, will leave on July 8, roughly when the White House is expected to release an updated counterterrorism strategy that Leiter contributed to, according to the Times.

Friends and colleagues said Leiter’s departure was expected, as his tenure coincided with one of the most demanding periods after the Sept. 11 attacks.

In a telephone interview on Thursday, Leiter, who is newly remarried, said he was stepping down for personal reasons and to allow his successor to “bring fresh eyes to the problems we face.” He has not yet decided on his next job, according to the Times.

As director of the National Counterterrorism Center, which was created in 2004, Leiter oversees 1,000 specialists from more than a dozen federal agencies who form the central clearinghouse and analytical hub for intelligence on terrorist threats, the Times said.

Andy Liepman, Leiter’s deputy, will serve as acting director until Obama appoints Leiter's successor, James R. Clapper Jr., the director of national intelligence said in a statement, according to the Times.

Obama said in a statement: Mike Leiter’s entire career has been one of service to our nation and I know his decision to leave the National Counterterrorism Center was undoubtedly a difficult one for him. Serving in two administrations since 2007, Mike led the National Counterterrorism Center with dedication and unwavering determination during challenging and demanding times and our nation is grateful for his many contributions to our safety and security. Mike has been a trusted advisor to me and to the entire national security team, providing us with an in-depth understanding of terrorist activities that affect our nation’s security. I am confident that Mike will be leaving the National Counterterrorism Center, the counterterrorism community, and the nation in a significantly stronger position to confront the terrorist threats we face.