Thursday, 4:30 PM
Former Boston ATF head promoted to agency's number three position
By John R. Ellement, Globe Staff
The former head of the Boston office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was promoted today to the number three slot in the federal agency that investigates bombings, high-profile arsons, and the illegal use of firearms.
William J. Hoover, who ran the Boston office from 2003 to early 2006, will start as ATF's assistant director for field operations on Feb. 15.
Hoover, 46, currently runs the Washington, D.C. field office, a post he took in January 2006 after leaving Boston. He is a native of Woodstock, Va.
Hoover's appointment was made by US Attorney Michael J. Sullivan, who is currently doing double duty of running the federal prosecutors in Massachusetts and is also serving as acting director of the ATF in Washington.
Sullivan also named Ronnie A. Carter, 53, to be chief operating officer, the bureau's number two position. Carter formerly ran the Dallas' ATF field office, the agency said.
Sullivan said in a statement that he is overhauling the ATF's top management and the new appointments are part of that effort.
"The changes are intended to recognize the greatest asset ATF has -- its people - -and to provide an opportunity for others in the organization to help lead the agency," Sullivan said in a statement.
