who is the head of the department of homeland security 2017
United States Secretary of Homeland Security
short
Kirstjen Nielsen
Secretary of Homeland Security of the United States Seal of the Department of Homeland Security Flag of the Secretary of Homeland Security Incumbent Kirstjen Nielsen since December 6 , 2017 United States Department of Homeland Security Style Madam Secretary Member of Cabinet Reports to The President Seat Washington , D.C. Appointer The President with Senate advice and consent Term length No fixed term Constituting instrument 6 U.S.C. § 112 Formation January 24 , 2003 ( 14 years ago ) ( 2003 - 01 - 24 ) First holder Tom Ridge Succession Eighteenth Deputy Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Salary Executive Schedule , level 1 Website www.dhs.gov