For Immediate Release
February 14, 2002

Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office

FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III, today announced the appointments of David W. Szady as Assistant Director for Counterintelligence and Grant D. Ashley as Assistant Director for Criminal Investigations.

In selecting AD Szady to direct the FBI foreign counterintelligence program, Director Mueller cited the Bureau veteran's "wide respect as a long-standing member of the intelligence community and his noteworthy track record of leadership and accomplished experience in counterespionage, counterintelligence, and management. His national leadership experience with 'CI-21' brings to our program the vision and perspective necessary as we implement new strategies and approaches."

Prior to accepting this position, AD Szady served as the first national Counterintelligence Executive, tasked with evolving the nation's counterintelligence efforts into the seamless strategy-driven concept embodied in the new "CI-21" approach. He is a 29-year FBI veteran with 25 years of counterespionage and counterintelligence investigative experience. He previously served as the Chief of the CIA's Counterintelligence Center, Counterespionage Group, and has been assigned to counterintelligence matters at FBIHQ and in the FBI's San Francisco and Washington Field Offices. He is a past recipient of the CIA Directorate of Operations Donovan Award and the Agency Seal Medallion.

AD Szady was born in Massachusetts, and holds Bachelor of Arts in Biology, from St. Michaels College, a Master of Education degree in administration from Fitchburg State College, and a Master of Science and Technology degree in chemistry from the University of New Hampshire.

In appointing AD Ashley, Director Mueller noted the experienced Special Agent's "long, positive record of demanding quality investigations, encouraging ambitious targeting of major criminal organizations, and willingness to take calculated risks in advancing the FBI's mission."

As head of the FBI's criminal investigative programs, AD Ashley will draw on his more than twenty years' experience as an investigator and supervisor in general criminal matters. AD Ashley sees in his new position an opportunity to "continue working closely with the public, civic leaders, the business community, and my counterparts in law enforcement to anticipate future problems and devise strategies to meet the FBI's obligations to the public."

AD Ashley entered on duty with the FBI's Los Angeles Division in 1976 as a professional support employee. Following a brief break in service, he was appointed a Special Agent in 1980, returning to Los Angeles to investigate white-collar and violent crimes and serve on the Division's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. He was subsequently assigned supervisory duties over organized crime and drug squads at FBI Headquarters and the Chicago Division. In 1995, he was appointed Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the San Diego Division and in 1997, was appointed Associate Special Agent in Charge of the San Francisco Division. Since February 1999, he has been Special Agent in Charge of the Las Vegas Division.

AD Ashley is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from California State University at Northridge and a Master of Public Administration degree from George Washington University.

The FBI has 18 Assistant Directors - 15 who head divisions at FBI Headquarters and three who head field offices in New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.. The Assistant Director position is the third-highest currently-staffed position in the FBI, after the Director and the four Executive Assistant Directors.