February 10, 1997 Librarian of Congress Names Kenneth E. Lopez Director of Security

James H. Billington, the Librarian of Congress, has named Kenneth E. Lopez director of security for the Library of Congress. Mr. Lopez will assume his duties Feb. 18.

"Ken Lopez has a distinguished record of accomplishment in the federal security field," said Dr. Billington. "His broad experience in all facets of security management will stand us in good stead as we continue our progress in protecting the staff, the collections and our facilities."

Mr. Lopez will report directly to the Deputy Librarian and be responsible for all aspects of the Library's security programs. He will complete the development of the Library's Security Management Plan, develop comprehensive security policies and regulations, maintain performance standards for security personnel and establish a comprehensive security training program.

Mr. Lopez comes to the Library after five years as director of security for the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Department of Justice. He has a total of 23 years experience in security for federal agencies.

Born in Concord, Calif., in 1943, Mr. Lopez graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles with a B.A. degree in urban geography. He served in the Army in 1966-71 as an armored cavalry platoon leader in Vietnam and later as an intelligence officer in Washington. He was released to inactive duty with the rank of captain, later retiring from the Army Reserve as a lieutenant colonel.

He rose through the ranks in security posts in the Federal Aviation Administration (1973-78), the Department of Health and Human Services (1978-81) and the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida (1986-92) before assuming his position at the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Mr. Lopez resides in Alexandria, Va., and has three children.