Ronald Rowe announces retirement

Ronald Rowe, a respected leader and seasoned professional with the U.S. Secret Service, has declared his retirement after serving the agency for 26 years.

Having stepped into the role of acting director during a turbulent period marked by an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, Rowe's leadership helped navigate the agency through challenging times.

Rowe joined the Secret Service in 1999 and his career has seen a variety of assignments, including high-stakes roles such as part of the Presidential Protective Division. His varied roles have underscored his dedication to the Secret Service's mission and values.

News: U.S. Secret Service Deputy Director Ronald Rowe, who served as Acting Director of the agency in the wake of the Butler assassination attempt, has announced his decision to step down from his post and retire from the agency after 26 years.@CBSNews

— Nicole Sganga (@NicoleSganga) February 11, 2025

Significant Milestones During Rowe's Tenure

During his time in service, Rowe occasionally stepped into key leadership roles. He assumed the role of acting director following the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle, who left under pressure from lawmakers after a failed assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. His appointment to this key position was a testament to his trusted leadership and capability to steer the agency amidst adversity.

While leading as the acting director, Rowe was tasked with addressing and managing scrutiny over the security lapses that came to light following this critical incident. His tenure included facing multiple inquiries to explain some of these security failures in detail. This included an appearance before a task force in December, wherein he confronted bipartisan questions from officials, notably Rep. Pat Fallon.

Rowe's efforts in stabilizing and managing the agency's response to such crises speak to his resilience and leadership. He helped maintain a sense of direction for the agency until Sean Curran officially succeeded him as the director last month.

Leadership Changes And New Appointments

With Rowe's impending retirement, the Secret Service will see further changes in its leadership hierarchy. Sean Curran, currently the agency's director, has expressed deep appreciation for Rowe’s contribution. In an internal message to agency personnel, Curran praised the departing deputy director for his "exceptional leadership" and the grace and responsibility with which he navigated the agency over the past six months.

Stepping in as interim acting deputy director in the wake of Rowe's retirement is Darryl Volpicelli. This appointment reflects continuity in leadership and the willingness of current Secret Service leadership to ensure the seamless progression of operations and strategic priorities for the agency.

Furthermore, the Secret Service has made strategic decisions to enhance its advisory roles. Richard Giuditta, Jr. has been appointed as a senior adviser, classified as a "Schedule C" political appointee—the first of its kind in this position. Giuditta brings a wealth of experience from a broad spectrum of sectors, delivering strategic advice to government bodies, large corporations, and nonprofits alike.

Initiatives To Strengthen Intelligence

The Secret Service's commitment to intelligence gathering and analysis will be reinforced with the addition of a senior official from the Intelligence Community. Although the name of the appointee is yet to be publicly disclosed, this addition signals a significant focus on bolstering strategic intelligence within the agency—a necessary move to prevent future security lapses and to enhance protective measures for high-profile individuals.

Rowe’s impending departure opens a new chapter for the agency, bringing fresh faces and perspectives into the fold. His career, marked by dedication and a versatile range of roles, leaves an indelible mark on the U.S. Secret Service and its mission to safeguard American leaders and the public.

As Rowe steps down, his legacy is likely to leave the agency on stable ground with an emphasis on innovation and preciseness in security operations. The transition in leadership is anticipated to further strengthen the strategies and measures necessary to prevent security threats, and safeguard against potential risks in the future.

The ongoing reorganization of the Secret Service reflects its adaptation to evolving challenges in domestic and international security landscapes. Both the agency's continuity and change are configured to bolster its capabilities in the face of rising complexities in its protective mission.