Rafael Borras

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Undersecretary for Management (since July 2009)

(DHS.gov)

Why He Matters

Borras has spent much of his career in public service, honing his management skills at the local level before moving to the federal government. At the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), he would oversee a sprawling department that already has been reorganized once since its creation in 2003.

The 22 agencies that became DHS still lack standardized systems for basic functions like financial management. Borras' main job would be to continue streamlining the department's administration. The task of transforming DHS remains is on the Government Accountability Office's list of high-risk areas: in 2009, the GAO reported that the department had developed a framework for addressing shortcomings but had just begun to show progress in fixing them. Several senators have tried to elevate the undersecretary for management position to the level of deputy secretary in order to emphasize the importance of this challenge.

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Corrections?

Background

At a Glance

Career History: URS Corporation, Vice President (2000-Present); General Services Administration, Regional Administrator for the Mid-Atlantic Region (1997-2000); Department of Commerce, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration (1996-1997), Associate Director of Minority Business Development Agency (1995-1996)
Birthday: July 13, 1957
Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.

Alma Mater: Florida International University, B.A., 1981; Florida International University, Public Administration Graduate Program, no degree, 1984
Spouse: Ivelisse Baez
MD Office: URS Corporation, 200 Orchard Ridge Dr., Gaithersburg, MD

Path to Power

Borras grew up in New York City, but lived for many years in the Miami area. He received his B.A. from Florida International University in 1981.

While continuing with graduate-level studies in public administration at FIU, Borras began his career as an administrative officer in the Metropolitan Dade County Government, which he has called "one of the most professionally run jurisdicitons in the United States." He left Florida in 1985 for his first tour in Washington, where he worked as communications director at the nonprofit International City and County Management Association.

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The Issues

Since its inception, DHS has had trouble hiring and retaining employees. The hiring process is slow, and since 2005 the department has ranked near the bottom of a survey of the best places to work in the government. As a result, contractors make up a substantial portion of the DHS workforce, although no one knows for sure how many the department employs.

Borras has said that he will work to reduce the number of contractors working at DHS and to improve the hiring process for full-time employees.

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The Network

At DHS, Borras will work closely with Secretary Janet Napolitano to ensure the department's administration runs smoothly. He has consulted with current Undersecretary for Management Elaine Duke about the challenges of the job. Borras currently serves on the Ethics Commission of Montgomery County, Md., and his colleague Gilles Burger attended Borras' confirmation hearing.

Additional Resources