John Pistole, administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, to retire

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The administrator of the Transportation Security Administration will retire on New Year's Eve after more than 31 years of federal service, the TSA said Thursday.

John Pistole, a former FBI official who took the TSA's helm in 2010, is expected to take a position in academia early next year, the TSA said.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to have served as TSA Administrator," Pistole said. "... I could not be more proud of all that our employees have accomplished together, particularly what they have done to help enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of transportation security while improving the passenger screening experience."

The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Pistole to the TSA position in June 2010. He had been FBI deputy director since October 2004. He joined the FBI in 1983.