Profile 

Former Policy Director within the White House and Department of Homeland Security, he joined newly formed White House Office of Homeland Security following 9-11 attacks. Developed the 2002 U.S.-Mexico Smart Border Accord, which was signed during a Presidential visit to Mexico in March 2002, and coordinated its implementation by multiple U.S. Government agencies. Part of small team that wrote the initial National Strategy for Homeland Security and planned the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security. Spokesperson on homeland security issues to Hispanic media outlets. Border security and infrastructure protection expert. Established the Office of International Affairs within the new Department of Homeland Security. Advisor to Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and Deputy Secretary Jim Loy.

Mr. Kinney comes from the highly recognized firm HNTB Corporation where he was VP and strategic planner in start-up federal practice, identifying business opportunities in multiple federal agencies. As Director of Strategy, White House Office of National Control Policy 1996-2001, he was responsible for coordinating the drafting of the President’s National Drug Control Strategy, which provided direction to the Federal Government’s programs to reduce the demand for, and cut the supply of, drugs in America.

As principal contributor to and a key player in the conceptualization, planning, and execution of national drug policies, he was also senior confidential advisor to General Barry McCaffrey (ONDCP Director and member of the President’s Cabinet). Mr. Kinney implemented a national public communications strategy and was the Administration’s spokesperson for drug policy issues. He was key in the assistance, development and implementation of cooperative programs with Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, and other international partners.

Mr. Kinney is also fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.