U.S. names official as U.S.-Mexican 'border czar'

* Bersin to lead crackdown against drug-gang violence

* Held similar position in the Clinton administration

* Named one day before Obama visit to Mexico

WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) - The Obama administration named on Wednesday a former U.S. Justice Department official who was "border czar" during Bill Clinton's presidency to lead its efforts to crack down on drug-related violence along the U.S.-Mexican border.

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced the appointment of Alan Bersin, a former federal prosecutor, during a visit to El Paso, Texas.

It took place one day before U.S. President Barack Obama planned to stop in Mexico before traveling to Trinidad and Tobago for the Fifth Summit of the Americas.

A former U.S. attorney in San Diego, Bersin was the "border czar" to then-U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno during the Clinton administration. He also served as California's education secretary and as superintendent of schools in San Diego.

"He will lead the efforts to make our borders safe while working to promote commerce and trade," Napolitano said in a statement, adding that Bersin brings years of experience in dealing with border issues.

White House officials said on Monday that Obama's visit to Mexico was a signal of support for Mexican President Felipe Calderon and his efforts to confront violent drug trafficking gangs.