Senate confirms new NCTC director

WASHINGTON, June 12 (UPI) -- After serving as acting director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Michael Leiter has now been confirmed by the Senate to officially head the NCTC.

Leiter was confirmed by the Senate as the new director after having served as acting director since November 2007. The former deputy chief of staff of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Leiter has become a well-known figure in the intelligence community, the ODNI reported.

"NCTC plays a vital role in the conduct of our nation's war on terror, and the leadership Mike brings will be critical in safeguarding the homeland and protecting the nation's interests," Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell said in a statement.

Leiter takes on the NCTC post, which is responsible for terrorism intelligence and counter-terrorism strategic operational planning, after serving as deputy general counsel and assistant director of the President's Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the U.S. Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction, among other positions.