Erroll Southers

Professor of the Practice of Governance, USC

Erroll G. Southers, a former FBI Special Agent, is professor of the practice of governance and director of Homegrown Violent Extremism Studies in the Safe Communities Institute of the Sol Price School of Public Policy at USC. He is also director of International Programs for the Department of Homeland Security National Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events. Southers was President Barack Obama’s first nominee for Transportation Security Administration Assistant Secretary and served as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Deputy Director for Critical Infrastructure of the California Office of Homeland Security. He served as assistant chief of Homeland Security and Intelligence at the Los Angeles World Airports Police Department, and was a Santa Monica Police Department officer. Southers is also managing director of the Counter-Terrorism and Infrastructure Protection Division for TAL Global Corp., an international security consulting firm.

Enjoy most: The opportunity to contribute to the education of the next generation of those responsible for national and homeland security.

Toughest challenge: The realization that we cannot be all things to all people, but wanting to assist as many people as possible.

Proudest moment: Earning my doctorate.

Most excited: The unlimited opportunities that continue to present themselves in the area of counterterrorism and radicalization.

Best advice: Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their title.

Beverage: Sparkling water.

Car you drive: Audi.

Alma Maters: Bachelor’s Brown University; MPA, University of Southern California; PhD, University of Southern California.

Fun fact: I earned my degree in biology and briefly attended medical school.

Bucket list: Dive the Great Barrier Reef.

Hobby/passion: Cycling.

Favorite destination: France.