Julia Pierson: First woman head of US Secret Service

President Barack Obama has picked Julia Pierson to be the first woman head of the Secret Service, White House officials have announced.

Julia Pierson, currently Secret Service chief of staff, will succeed Mark Sullivan, who announced last month that he would retire.

The Secret Service was caught up in a prostitution scandal last year during a presidential visit to Colombia.

President Barack Obama has picked Julia Pierson to be the first woman head of the Secret Service

The agency investigates financial crimes, and protects the US president and his family.

Julia Pierson, originally from Florida, joined the Secret Service’s Miami Field Office in 1983.

From 1988, Julia Pierson spent four years with the Presidential Protective Division.

Julia Pierson’s appointment does not require confirmation by Congress.