NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Foundation has selected Keith Perrigan to be its executive director.

Perrigan is currently the assistant special agent in charge of the United States Secret Service in the Nashville field office. He will start his new position in November.

As head of the foundation, Perrigan will lead private sector support for the objectives of the department, including law enforcement, driver services and homeland security.

He will also work to establish partnerships with communities, businesses and organizations statewide.

The foundation was created earlier this year as a result of legislation proposed by Gov. Bill Haslam and enacted by the Tennessee General Assembly last year.

It is patterned after other law enforcement foundations throughout the country, such as the New York City Police Foundation.