The troubled United States Secret Service now has a new head. President Barack Obama has appointed Secret Service veteran Joseph Clancy as permanent director, after serving the agency in an acting capacity in the last four months.

Clancy's appointment was contrary to critics' suggestions, the new head must come from outside the agency to give it a fresh start.

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White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Clancy was Obama's personal choice for the post. He said the president believes Clancy had shown the kind of leadership many had expected of him.

Clancy, who worked at the secret service for 27 years, retired in 2011.

During his earlier stint at the Secret Service, Clancy served as a special agent in charge of the presidential protective division. He led the agency in an acting capacity October last year, following the resignation of then Director Julia Pierson amid criticisms over a series of security lapses.

Earnest said more needs to be done to redeem the agency's credibility, which has found itself in hot water after committing key mistakes in recent years. However, they are pleased with this appointment, he added.

Johnson said Clancy was not the only candidate for the post. He and Obama had considered several strong contenders, including some from outside the agency.

"Ultimately, Joe Clancy struck the right balance of familiarity with the Secret Service and its missions, respect from within the workforce, and a demonstrated determination to make hard choices and foster needed change," Johnson said.

However, not everyone was happy with Clancy's appointment. One was House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who expressed disappointment that Obama snubbed suggestions to select a new director from outside the Secret Service.

"The good men and women of the Secret Service are screaming for a fresh start," said Chaffetz. "At this moment in time, the Secret Service would best be served by a transformative and dynamic leader from outside the agency."

While Chaffetz was not all smiles at Clancy's new role, he says he wishes him and the agency only the best.

TagsU.S., Secret Service, Secret Service director, Barack Obama, Joseph Clancy, julia pierson