is the Director of the Aspen Institute’s Homeland Security Program. He joined the Institute in 2005. He previously served as the first Inspector General of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), from 2003 to 2004. Prior to his service at DHS, Ervin served as the Inspector General of the United States Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors, from August, 2001 to January, 2003. His service in the administration of President George W. Bush is preceded by his service as the Associate Director of Policy in the White House Office of National Service in the administration of President George H.W. Bush. He served in the state government of Texas from 1995 to 2001, first as Assistant Secretary of State, and then as a Deputy Attorney General. He has practiced law twice in the private sector, with the Houston-based firms of Vinson & Elkins, and Locke, Liddell, & Sapp, respectively.