2023 Speakers & Presenters

Paul Abbate

Deputy Director

Federal Bureau of Investigation

In February 2021, Director Christopher Wray named Paul M. Abbate as Deputy Director of the FBI. In this role, he oversees all FBI domestic and international investigative and intelligence activities. Prior to his appointment as Deputy Director, Mr. Abbate served as the Associate Deputy Director of the FBI where he was responsible for the management of all FBI personnel, budget, administration, and infrastructure.

Mr. Abbate served as the Executive Assistant Director of the Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch prior to his appointment as Associate Deputy Director. In this capacity, Mr. Abbate oversaw all FBI criminal and cyber investigations worldwide, international operations, critical incident response, and victim assistance. Additionally, he served as the Assistant Director in Charge (ADIC) of the FBI’s Washington Field Office (WFO) for several years.

Mr. Abbate served in a variety of executive leadership roles earlier in his career to include: Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Division, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office Counterterrorism Division (also serving as the on-scene commander in Libya during this time), and Section Chief in the Counterterrorism Division. As Section Chief, he provided oversight of all FBI international terrorism investigations and counterterrorism operations external to the United States.

Additionally, Mr. Abbate previously served in the Los Angeles Field Office as Assistant Special Agent in Charge for counterterrorism matters, overseeing the primary branch of the Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force. Mr. Abbate also previously served as the Assistant Section Chief in the Counterterrorism Division, providing nationallevel oversight and guidance of all United States-based international terrorism investigations. During this time, Mr. Abbate received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service alongside other team members.

From February 2006 to December 2009, he served as a Supervisory Special Agent within the Newark Division’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. During this time, he deployed to Afghanistan and served as the FBI deputy on-scene commander, leading FBI counterterrorism operations and personnel in theater. Mr. Abbate previously deployed to Iraq, in October 2005, where he served as the senior FBI liaison officer to the U.S. Department of Defense and lead a group of FBI personnel conducting counterterrorism operations in theater.

In December 2003, Mr. Abbate began his extensive leadership career as a Supervisory Special Agent for the Counterterrorism Division in the Iraq Unit, overseeing FBI counterterrorism operations and personnel deployments in Iraq. He began his FBI career as a Special Agent in March 1996, assigned to the New York City Field Office, where he worked in the Criminal Division and served as a member of the SWAT team.

Marsha Adrien

Assistant Director, Field Operations (Mission Support) U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations – Baltimore Field Office Marsha J. Adrien currently serves as the Assistant Director, Field Operations (Mission Support), Baltimore Field Office (BFO), which is comprised of over 950 employees. She has held the position since September 2017 and oversees a range of administrative functions to include Budget and Procurement, Asset Management, Facilities, and Human Resources.

Ms. Adrien previously served as a Supervisory Mission Support Specialist at Preclearance Field Office (PCFO) in Washington, D.C. While assigned to PCFO, she successfully managed all human capital functions for over 600 employees within 16 locations in Canada, Ireland, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. Ms. Adrien began her Mission Support career in 2009 with the Miami/Tampa Field Offices.

Ms. Adrien has 27 years of Federal Service. Ms. Adrien holds a master’s degree in Human Resources and Employment Relations with a concentration in Collective Bargaining from Penn State University. She attended the University of the Virgin Islands and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology.

Dr. Lina Alathari

Chief

National Threat Assessment Center U.S. Secret Service

Dr. Alathari is the Chief of the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC), where she oversees the center’s targeted violence behavioral research program. The findings from these projects have identified behaviors, motives, and triggers of individuals who engage in various forms of targeted violence to include school violence; workplace violence; terrorism; attacks against government officials and facilities; and mass attacks in public spaces. Dr. Alathari also oversees NTAC’s training and consultation programs.

She has testified before congress, frequently presents on threat assessment, and provides guidance to government agencies, K-12 schools, universities, and corporations on threat cases and establishing threat assessment programs. Dr. Alathari was named a 2020 Safety, Security, and International Affairs Finalist for the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals and was the recipient of the 2022 DHS Secretary’s Award for Innovation, 2019 DHS Secretary’s Meritorious Service Award, 2019 Secret Service Director’s Team Impact Award, and the 2015 DHS Law Enforcement Information Sharing (LEIS) Visionary Award. Dr. Alathari’s previous experience includes mental health treatment, behavior analysis, and crisis intervention. Immediately prior to joining the U.S. Secret Service, Dr. Alathari worked at the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute, an inpatient state psychiatric facility, where she oversaw the behavior management program for patients who posed a risk for violence, self-harm, and suicide. Dr. Alathari earned a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuropsychology from The George Washington University.

Alana-Paige Bell

Assistant Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge Los Angeles Field Office

U.S. Transportation Security Administration (Law Enforcement)

Federal Air Marshal Service (Field Operations)

Ms. Alana-Paige Bell is assigned to the Transportation Security Administration – Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) Los Angeles Field Office (LAX) as the Assistant Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge (ASAC). In her duties, ASAC Bell manages seven Assistant Federal Security Directors of Law Enforcement, two Visual Intermodal Prevention and Response teams, Airport Assigned FAMs and the FBI and HSI task force FAMs in an office of over 160 personnel. In July 2022, she graduated the Department of Homeland Security Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program.

ASAC Bell began her career as a Federal Air Marshal in the New York Field Office in September 2006. She served in various roles to include lead recruiter, assistant operations officer, and acting Supervisory Federal Air Marshal (SFAM). In May 2014, she was awarded the title of Senior Federal Air Marshal in acknowledgement of her service, dedication, and exemplary leadership abilities that she has displayed while serving the agency in various capacities. In August 2015, she was promoted to Supervisory Federal Air Marshal (SFAM) and supervised a squad of 24 Federal Air Marshals and served as the Administrative SFAM, Joint Terrorism Task Force SFAM, and Acting Administrative Officer concurrently while also being involved in recruitment, hiring and diversity efforts. In May 2018 she accepted a reassignment to

HQ where she independently managed and served as the FAMS Ombudsman and National Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion.

Prior to joining the Federal Air Marshal Service, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida in 2005. She also worked as an intern for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Office of Inspector General in both the New York and Bay Pines, Florida field offices.

While working for the Federal Air Marshal Service and balancing various collateral duties, ASAC Bell received a master’s in business administration with a concentration in Homeland Security Resource Allocation in August 2014. She is the founder and Chair of the first employee resource group at FAMS, Women Excel at FAMS (WE@ FAMS) and is a member of WIFLE and NOBLE. In 2022, she was a WIFLE Award Recipient for Outstanding Advocacy for Women in Law Enforcement. She is also the mother of two girls ages 5 and 2.

Mary S. Bell, Ph.D.

Dean

The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences

Dakota State University

Dr. Mary Bell is Dean of The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University. She was previously a Professor at the National Defense University (NDU) where she started teaching in 2010. At NDU, she served as a department head of the Joint Advanced Warfighting School Operational Art and Campaign Planning Field of Study. While there, she also created an elective on cyberspace, intelligence, information, and space considerations. She has 34 years of leadership experience in both the Department of Defense and academia to include 13 years of teaching experience with 11 years at the graduate level and two at the undergraduate level. She has over 20 years of service in the U.S. Army with experience in Aviation and Intelligence.

Dean Bell holds a Doctor of Philosophy in International Studies from Old Dominion University, a Master of Arts in International Relations from St. Mary’s University at San Antonio, Texas, and a Bachelor of Administration in International Business from New Mexico State University. She flew the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter in South Korea, Hawaii, throughout the U.S., and Haiti in support of Operation Uphold Democracy. She also flew the C-12 Huron and EO-5B/C Airborne Reconnaissance Low (ARL) to support Operations Palmetto Ghost and Palmetto Shield, Counter Drug operations for U.S. Southern Command. She flew missions on the ARL as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, collecting real-time fullmotion video for the Joint Special Operations Command.

She then served as a Mission Commander for the Open Skies Treaty, negotiating with diplomats from 33 nations, including Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Sweden, Georgia, Italy, and France. Besides operational and planning experience, she was an Assistant Professor of Military Strategic Studies at the Air Force Academy (2001 – 2003) and Joint and Combined Warfighting School (2010 –2017). She has additional expertise in U.S. energy policy, Women, Peace, and Security issues, as well as EuroAtlantic and Indo-Pacific relations.

Miranda Bennett

Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Office of the Inspector General

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Miranda Bennett serves as an Assistant Inspector General for Investigations in the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General overseeing three regional offices and the Digital Investigations Branch. She began her federal career in 2005 as a Special Agent with HHS-OIG and spent ten years investigating complex health care fraud schemes. She has also served as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge and Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Regional Office. Miranda holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. She has been recognized with the Inspector General’s Bronze Award and by the Women in Federal Law Enforcement Foundation as an Outstanding Law Enforcement Employee.

Linnea Bodenhamer

Marymount University

Forensic and Legal Psychology Program

Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. (Intern)

Linnea Bodenhamer is an Intern with Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. She attended the University of Sioux Falls in her home state of South Dakota where she majored in Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Social Science and completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2020. Ms. Bodenhamer is currently in the Forensic and Legal Psychology Program at Marymount University with a concentration in Intelligence. She will complete the requirements for a master’s degree in forensic and legal psychology by August 31, 2023. After graduation, Linnea would like to secure a position in the Intelligence field that would allow her to travel frequently and live abroad. Ms. Bodenhamer has served as an Intern for Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. since January 2023. During this time, Linnea has been included in the 30x30 Initiative meetings between WIFLE’s leadership and the Initiative’s Co-Founder and her dedicated team Additionally, she has taken on the long-term task of updating WIFLE’s Transforming Law Enforcement by Changing the Face of Policing document published in 2016. Linnea Bodenhamer remains passionate about working alongside and supporting federal law enforcement in a non-sworn position where she can make meaningful contributions while maximizing her future career potential.

Catrina Bonus

President, WIFLE Foundation, Inc. and Executive Director, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

United States Secret Service (Retired)

Catrina retired from the United States Secret Service (USSS) with over 26 years of federal law enforcement experience. She began her career with the USSS in September 1996 and progressed steadily through the ranks, holding leadership positions with several government branches. As the first female deputy chief in Uniformed Division history, Catrina oversaw a diverse workforce of more than 700 law enforcement professionals and led the strategic development, implementation and management of security policies and daily operations for the White House Complex.

Catrina also oversaw the day to day administrative and operational functions of the Secret Service training facility and managed a $51M annual budget that supported agency priorities, facility enhancements, staffing, technology improvements, business opportunities, and strategic planning.

Catrina graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Liberty University. She also earned a Master of Arts degree in Human Services Counseling: Criminal Justice from Liberty University. Catrina is a graduate of the National Defense University, Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, where she earned a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy with an Ethics Concentration. Catrina participated in the Key Executive Leadership Certificate Program at American University and was the first Uniformed Division member to be accepted into the USSS SES Candidate Development Program.

Catrina is the President and Executive Director of WIFLE Foundation, Inc. and Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. Catrina is motivated to support and advocate for all women in federal law enforcement through mentorship, research, training, and leadership development.

Stef Braun

Paralegal

U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Minnesota

Stef Braun has been a paralegal for many years, in three states (Illinois, Missouri, and Minnesota), and a criminal paralegal since 2002. I have worked in both the Scott County Attorney’s Office (State of Minnesota v. John Michael Anderson “Craigslist murder”) and presently at the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota. She has worked on cases ranging from human trafficking, child exploitation, multi-defendant drug conspiracies, white collar fraud conspiracy, and RICO. Stef was the paralegal assigned to the Bangkok Dark Nights investigation.

Captain Peggy M. Britton

Deputy Commander, Sector Virginia

United States Coast Guard

CAPT Peggy M. Britton assumed duties as Deputy Commander, Sector Virginia in June 2022, leading 1,200 Coast Guardsman and Auxiliary personnel, among three cutters, six small boat stations, three aids to navigation teams, and a Sector Field Office conducting all Coast Guard missions in Virginia waters and offshore. She oversees all Captain of the Port, Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection, Federal On Scene Coordinator, Federal Maritime Security Coordinator, and Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator authorities in the region. Prior to her Deputy assignment, CAPT Britton served as Executive Assistant for the DHS Joint Task Force- East, serving Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and Homeland Security.

Investigations executive leadership. Her diverse operational assignments include Response Department Head at Sector Virginia where she lead over 300 Search and Rescue cases, a complex jet fuel spill, and multiple port/hurricane events; Command Duty Officer at the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Honolulu, Hawaii; and afloat tours in USCGC ELM, USCCG KUKUI as Executive Officer, and USCGC WILLIAM TATE as Commanding Officer. She holds a 100-ton Master Captain’s license. Additionally, she has extensive experience in international engagement as the Chief of International Resident Training at Training Center Yorktown, and team leader for the International Training Division deploying to more than 32 partner nations worldwide.

CAPT Britton was a Rhodes Scholarship state finalist in 1999 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Government from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 2000. She holds a Master of International Policy and Practice degree from George Washington University in 2012, and was a distinguished graduate from the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) Joint Forces Staff College in 2020, earning a Master of Science degree in Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy. Her awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, four Commendation Medals, and the Captain Dorothy Stratton Inspirational Leadership award. In 2022, she participated as one of twelve NATO officers in the Peace with Women Fellowship as part of the Halifax International Security Forum.

CAPT Britton considers Poquoson, Virginia, home. She is married to Mr. Shawn Britton, a NASA engineer, and they have three wonderful children..

Vera Bumpers

Chief of Police

METRO Police Department

Chief Vera Bumpers has been with the department for more than 35 years and has been a pioneer from the beginning. She is the first woman to lead MPD and is the first woman to have been promoted in every single rank. MPD is a full-time, full-service agency authorized 267 sworn Texas Peace Officers and more than 121 civilian staff members. Chief Bumpers and all the men and women of MPD are focused on keeping METRO’s transit system moving safely and securely for all customers. They are also committed to maintaining cooperative working relationships with all law enforcement agencies within the METRO service area.

Chief Bumpers has been widely recognized both locally and nationally for her leadership.

She is a past National President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), has been featured in the African American Newspaper and Houston Women Magazine, and was honored as a 2016 Top 50 Black Professional and Entrepreneur and Top 30 Houston Influential Woman. She is also the recipient of the 2015 Trailblazer Award from the Women in Transportation Seminar. Recipient of the 2022 National Women Law Enforcement Executive of the Year Award from Motorola.

Professional Associations and Activities

Chair, Houston Community College Police Academy Advisory Board; Member, San Jacinto College Advisory Committee for Business Office Systems and Support (BOSS); Board member, International Association of Chiefs of Police; Board member, Caruth Police Institute; Member, Texas Police Chiefs Association; Member, Houston Area Police Chiefs Association; Member, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE); Member, National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives; Member, Latino Peace Officers Association; Member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; Member, The Links, Incorporated.

Education and Certifications:

M.S. Education, Prairie View A&M University, B.S. Criminal Justice, Texas State University, Graduate, 230th session FBI National Academy, Quantico, Virginia

Julie S. Cabus

Deputy Assistant Secretary

Assistant Director for Training

Diplomatic Security Service

U.S. Department of State

Julie S. Cabus is a Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) with the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and a member of the Senior Foreign Service. Currently, she serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary and Assistant Director to the Training Directorate. In this capacity, she advises the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security and Director of the Diplomatic Security Service (DS/DSS) on the formulation and implementation of all security and law enforcement training programs and policies for DS. She manages a Directorate comprised of the Office of Anti-Terrorism Assistance (DS/T/ATA), the Office of Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (DS/T/ FASTC), the Office of Mobile Security Deployments (DS/T/MSD), and the Office of Technical Security Engineering (DS/T/TSE).

In her previous assignment, she served as the Acting Assistant Director for the Threat Investigations and Analysis Directorate (DS/TIA), and the Deputy Assistant Director for the Office of Intelligence and Threat Analysis (DS/TIA/ITA). In this capacity, she managed the Diplomatic Security programs that analyze, assess, generate, investigate, and disseminate information on threats directed against U.S. diplomatic personnel overseas and domestically.

Ms. Cabus joined the United States Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Diplomatic Security Service in March 1999. Ms. Cabus served overseas at the following Diplomatic Missions; Assistant Regional Security Officer, Kinshasa, DRSC, Regional Security Officer, Niamey, Niger, Regional Security Officer, Peshawar, Pakistan, Regional Security Officer, Algiers Algeria, Senior Regional Security Officer, United States Mission to Australia, Canberra, Australia, Deputy Regional Security Officer, Kabul, Afghanistan, and Senior Regional Security Officer, United States Mission to Iraq.

In addition to her overseas assignments, Ms. Cabus served in the Diplomatic Security Service Washington Field Office, Bureau Security Officer, Office of the Secretary of State, and as Division Chief for Defensive Equipment and Armored Vehicles, Dignitary Protection, and Worldwide Protective Services (WPS).

Ms. Cabus holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania and a Master’s of Military Studies from Marine Command and Staff College, Quantico, Virginia.

Ms. Cabus is native to Manchester, Connecticut and currently lives in West Springfield, Virginia. She is married to Edward A. Cabus with three children

Dawn Caltagirone

Assistant Port Director (Tactical) Area Port of Buffalo

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Dawn Caltagirone serves as the Assistant Port Director (Tactical), Area Port of Buffalo, which is comprised of over 700 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees and is one of the busiest ports of entry on the northern border. Ms. Caltagirone oversees the Area Port of Buffalo’s Incident Management Division, Tactical Terrorist Response Team, Emergency Medical Technician Team, Mobile Field Force and Emergency Response Teams and Workforce Resiliency Programs.

Ms. Caltagirone has over 32 years of services as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer and began her career in 1990 as a correction officer for the Federal Bureau of Prisons before transferring to the U.S. Customs Service in 1996. Ms. Caltagirone’ s experience spans from the southern to northern border and CBP Headquarters as part of the Leadership, Innovation and Field Transformation initiative.

Ms. Caltagirone is a core member for the CBP/OFO Task Force for Women and is passionate about the future for women in Law Enforcement. Ms. Caltagirone is a driving force in CBP’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts to attract a diverse workforce and foster an inclusive environment of increased respect, expand social understanding, and celebrate differences through employee engagement and community outreach.

Collette Canady

Special Agent, Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, (HHS-OIG-OI) Roanoke Field Office

Collette Canady started her career in law enforcement in 2005 employed with Virginia Beach Probation and Parole. In 2007, she was hired as a Deputy Sheriff, with the Norfolk, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, where she worked for approximately two years in the Booking Division.

In 2010, she was hired by the Newport News Police Department as a patrol officer and was subsequently promoted to Detective. As part of her duties as a Detective with the Newport News Police Department, she led multiple long term, high-profile investigations that spanned multiple jurisdictions and required the management of confidential informants as well as other officers and detectives assisting with these complex cases. She also personally conducted and participated in numerous covert surveillance operations. During her tenure with NNPD, she was awarded several commendations for her work as lead investigator on several high-profile cases, as well as obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice through Saint Leo University.

In 2018, she was employed with the Virginia State Attorney General’s Office, where she served as a MFCU (Medicaid Fraud Control Unit) Fraud Investigator for three years. She was hired as a Special Agent with the Office of Investigations (OI), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) in August of 2021. SA Canady is currently assigned to the Richmond, Virginia field office.

Elizabeth M. Casey

Program Analyst (Human Resource Liaison)

Office of Strategic Management

Transportation Security Administration (Retired) Board Member, WIFLE Foundation, Inc. and Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Elizabeth Casey began her career with the federal government in October 1973, with the United States Secret Service (USSS) Personnel Division. While working in the Staffing/Recruitment & Employee Relations Branches, she served as the Federal Woman’s Program Manager and became involved with the then-titled Interagency Committee on Women in Federal Law Enforcement. She served as Conference CoChair for two annual training conferences, as well as the Department of Treasury Chair for the Committee. Over the years, Ms. Casey served in various positions/assignments at the USSS and in May 2001, was selected/reassigned as the Staff Assistant, Assistant Director, Office of Human Resources & Training. In March 2002, she transferred to the newly formed Transportation Security Administration in the Office of Strategic Management and Analysis. She retired from federal service in February 2006, but in April 2007, returned to work as a contractor (Senior Security Analyst), with the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Security Officer, until August 2018. Ms. Casey holds a B.A. in Business Administration (Management) from Mount Vernon College (now George Washington University) in Washington, DC. She currently serves as coeditor of the quarterly WIFLE E-news.

Kimberly Cheatle

Director

United States Secret Service

Kimberly Cheatle is the 27th Director of the U.S. Secret Service, sworn in to office September 17, 2022. She is responsible for successfully executing the agency’s integrated mission of protection and investigations by leading a diverse workforce composed of more than

7,800 Special Agents, Uniformed Division Officers, Technical Law Enforcement Officers, and Administrative, Professional, and Technical personnel.

Prior to her appointment, Ms. Cheatle served as Senior Director in Global Security at PepsiCo, where she was responsible for directing and implementing security protocols for the company’s facilities in North America. Her role at PepsiCo involved developing risk management assessment and risk mitigation strategies. Before joining PepsiCo, she served with distinction for 27 years in the U.S. Secret Service, most recently as Assistant Director of the Office of Protective Operations. In this position, Ms. Cheatle managed a $133.5M budget and collaborated with ten operational divisions and the Technical Security Division to research, develop, and deploy technologies that reduce risks to protectees, protected facilities, and protected events.

Prior to serving as Assistant Director, Ms. Cheatle was the Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office, providing oversight for all mission related investigations, protective intelligence and protective visits in the state of Georgia.

Ms. Cheatle was appointed to the Senior Executive Service (SES) in February 2016 as the Special Agent in Charge of the James J. Rowley Training Center (RTC). There she directed and coordinated all aspects of training and career development for the organization, later serving as the Deputy Assistant Director for the Office of Training.

Prior to her SES appointment, Ms. Cheatle was the Special Agent in Charge, Office of Stragetic Planning and Policy, where she developed and deployed an innovative web-based communication platform designed to promote open and transparent communication within the organization.

Tinesha Cherry

Director – Employee Engagement and Organizational Culture Division

U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations

Tinesha Cherry is the Director of the newly established Employee Engagement and Organizational Culture (EEOC) Division, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO). In this capacity, Director Cherry is responsible for promoting a workplace culture where respect, fairness, trust, transparency, teamwork, accountability, empowerment, and effective communication are the driving force behind agency actions. The EEOC Division reinforces OFOs commitment to promoting a workplace culture where growth opportunities are afforded to all employees regardless of position, sexual identity, race, or tenure.

Since joining CBP as a Customs Officer in 1995, Director Cherry has served in various leadership positions, to include, Assistant Director of Field Operations-Trade, Director of the Automotive and Aerospace Center of Excellence and Expertise and Assistant Port DirectorPassenger Operations.

In her most recent role as the Assistant Director Trade, Director Cherry oversaw commercial operations at all ports of entry in Michigan. Her many responsibilities included manifest and entry processing, cargo inspections, agriculture quarantines, import safety, seizures and penalties, duty collection, intellectual property rights enforcement, and free trade agreements.

Director Cherry’s multifaceted personality extends beyond CBP. In addition to her 27-year career with CBP, Director Cherry is also a renowned author, poet, award winning international speaker and entrepreneur, who has been involved in mentoring, leading, empowering and influencing audiences for more than 26 years.

Director Cherry is the recipient of several awards and acknowledgements for her work within CBP. Further, her personal work has been featured in several local and national publications and she is the recipient of numerous awards and acknowledgements for her efforts in the community.

Lora Cicciarelli

Supervisory Task Force Officer

Homeland Security Investigations

Border Enforcement Security Task Force

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Lora Cicciarelli is currently a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Supervisory Task Force Officer assigned to the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Border Enforcement Security Taskforce (BEST). BEST consists of State, Local, Federal and Foreign Law Enforcement agencies working together to combat emerging and existing Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCO).

Ms. Cicciarelli started her career in 2005 where she was quickly assigned to the Anti-Terrorist Contraband Enforcement Team (A-TCET). She then created a formalized targeting and intelligence process for the Advanced Targeting Unit (ATU) for the Port of Buffalo that is still implemented today.

In 2014 Ms. Cicciarelli was selected as a supervisor and was responsible for managing Tactical Operations. During her tenure as a Tactical Supervisor, approximately 65,000 pounds of bulk marijuana were seized, which was unprecedented for the Area Port of Buffalo.

Ms. Cicciarelli has held various temporary roles in CBP to include Professionalism Service Manager, Supervisor of the Trusted Traveler Enrollment Centers, Chief of Staff to the

Area Port Director, and Chief CBP Officer responsible for managing the multi-million-dollar facility construction project of the new Lewiston Complex, Niagara Falls, New York.

Latisha Cleveland

Special Agent in Charge

Healthcare Fraud Division

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General

Latisha R. Cleveland is a Supervisory Special Agent with over 20 years of federal investigative experience. She began her career as a Special Agent with U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (HHS), Office of Inspector General investigating allegations of health care fraud, grant fraud, and misconduct by Federal employees and contractors. Latisha’s work has resulted in numerous successful administrative proceedings, civil settlements, over 40 criminal convictions, and over $80 million in restitution to Medicare and Medicaid, including the largest Medicaid provider attendant services case charged in Texas history, recognized with an HHS Inspector General’s Award for Fighting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse. From 2018–2021, she served as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge overseeing investigative personnel across Texas; coordinating regional efforts for national health care fraud enforcement actions; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts. In 2021, she was awarded the HHS Inspector General’s Bronze Medal for Outstanding Employee of the Year and HHS Inspector General’s Honor Award for Advancing Excellence and Innovation.

She was selected as the Special Agent in Charge for the Healthcare Fraud Division of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) in August 2021. Leveraging a multidisciplinary team, this investigative development division primarily focuses on supporting VA OIG personnel in identifying, preventing, and investigating healthcare fraud within the VA’s community-based healthcare delivery programs. Under her leadership, the division has developed over 60 case referrals with an estimated exposure of over $100 million; conducted internal and external fraud awareness briefings; and published healthcare fraud alerts for veterans and VA clinicians.

Latisha is passionate about attracting the next generation of diverse talent to federal government and has developed relationships with numerous charter schools, colleges, and universities. The University of Texas at Dallas named her the 2021 “Employer of the Year.”

Latisha is a member of Women in Federal Law Enforcement, National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, North Texas Chapter of the International Association of Special Investigations Units, Texas Inspector General Counsel, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.

Latisha is also a member of the Dallas-Fort Worth Federal Executive Board and was recognized with the inaugural Public Service Award for Law Enforcement in 2020.

Dr. Tam Dao

Special Agent

Threat Management Team

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Tam Dao is currently a Special Agent for the FBI Houston Threat Management Team. Prior to this position, he was a Supervisory Special Agent for the Counterintelligence Task Force. Tam is a licensed psychologist for the State of Texas and serves as a subject matter expert for counterintelligence-related matters and personality assessment for the FBI. He was certified as an FBI negotiator in 2014. Before joining the FBI, he was a tenure-track professor at the University of Houston where he received the Klopfer Award for distinguished contribution to the literature in personality assessment and the University of Houston Faculty Research Excellence Award for excellence in research and scholarship. He has been awarded federal and state grants for his research and has published more than 50 scientific articles. Tam holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin; a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania; and a Ph.D. degree from Florida State University.

Sydney Darnell

Marymount University

Forensic and Legal Psychology Program

Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. (Intern)

Sydney Darnell, who is currently in Marymount University’s Forensic and Legal Psychology master’s program, also serves as an Intern with Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology and addictions counseling while minoring in criminal justice at Indiana Wesleyan University. After attaining her master’s degree in May 2024, Ms. Darnell hopes to pursue a career in federal law enforcement.

Cerelyn Davis

Chief of Police

Memphis Police Department

Police Chief Cerelyn Davis has over 37 years of law enforcement experience. Beginning her career with the Atlanta Police Department Chief Davis learned early on the importance of forging relationships with Atlanta’s diverse community and quickly moved through the ranks. As a Commander Chief Davis led various Specialized Operations to include SWAT, Motors, Vice & Narcotics before being promoted to Deputy Chief.

Chief Davis retired in June 2016 to accept the position of Chief of Police for the City of Durham, North Carolina. As the Chief of Police, Davis made great strides towards improving the outreach and crime reduction efforts of the city by building the trust of citizens, law enforcement and key stakeholders.

In April of 2021, Chief Davis was selected as the first female police chief for the Memphis Police Department.

Chief Davis is a graduate of the 225th Session of the National FBI Academy and the Police Executive Research Forum. Her experience also includes training opportunities abroad at the Emergency Preparedness College in York, England, and leadership exchange session with the Israel National Police. She is a past President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, and recently testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on the matter of Police Reform.

Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards to include Atlanta Police Supervisor of the Year and winner of the “Women Rule” competition featured in ‘O’ Magazine. In 2013, she was recognized as one of Georgia’s 100 Most Influential Women

Ronald L. Davis Director

U.S. Marshals Service

The Honorable Ronald L. Davis was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden to lead the United States Marshals Service on April 12, 2021. The United States Senate confirmed his nomination on September 22, 2021, and Mr. Davis was sworn in as the 12th Director of the Marshals Service on September 27, 2021. As the leader of America’s oldest federal law enforcement agency, Mr. Davis leads more than 5,000 operational and administrative employees, spanning 94 judicial districts, 218 domestic offices, and four foreign field offices. Mr. Davis is also responsible for federal judicial security (including oversight of more than 5,000 contract court security officers), fugitive apprehension, witness security, asset forfeiture, and prisoner operations.

From 2013 to 2017, Mr. Davis served in the Obama Administration as the Director of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). In this capacity, Mr. Davis was responsible for working with the over 16,000 local, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies in the United States to advance community policing. In December 2014, President Barack Obama appointed Mr. Davis to serve as the Executive Director of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing charged with developing concrete recommendations to improve community trust in the police while enhancing public safety.

Mr. Davis has served more than 28 years in law enforcement starting in 1985 with the Oakland, California Police Department. In Oakland, Mr. Davis worked in various assignments including specialized enforcement units, SWAT team leader, police academy director, criminal investigations commander, Area commander, and Inspector General of the Department. Mr. Davis became Police Chief for the City of East Palo Alto, California, in 2005, and held that position for more than eight years. As Police Chief, Mr. Davis worked collaboratively with the community to improve public trust, enhance organizational accountability, and dramatically reduce crime and violence in a city once named the murder capital of the United States.

Mr. Davis possesses a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University and has completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard University Kennedy School of Government.

Martina Dent

Program Manager for Strategy Division

Office of Field Operations

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Ms. Martina Dent has over 12 years federal government experience strategic planning; improving processes; investigating civil rights issues; and implementing national and economic security initiatives. Ms. Dent currently serves as the Program Manager for the Strategy Division in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO). In this role, she plans, develops, and coordinates strategies and strategic performance management efforts impacting national security priorities.

Ms. Dent has a strong passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has used her strategic planning and communication skills to support the creation and serve in leadership roles in the CBP Task Force for Women and the CBP PRIDE Chapter. Since 2020, she serves as a co-founder and co-lead for the grassroots CBP TFW with a mission to promote a culture of gender diversity, equity, and inclusion for all employees through unified initiatives that foster an environment that is safe, prosperous and mission ready. She has lead engagements reaching over 3,500 CBP employees on topics of recruitment, mentorship, resiliency, domestic abuse, unconscious bias, and career development. For the CBP PRIDE Chapter, founded in 2022, she serves as the Co-Vice President on the Board with a mission to celebrate LGBTQIA+ employees, and champion policy and resources for diversity, equity, and inclusion of all.

Prior to her appointment at OFO, she has six years of strategy and analysis experience in positions throughout CBP, to include Air and Marine Operations, Office of Trade, and Operations Support. Ms. Dent led the development, analysis, and implementation of over 50 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CBP plans through collaborative interagency and intra-agency work groups. Her leadership in strategic planning and diversity was recognized in 2020 with the receipt of the AMO Executive Assistant Commissioner Award for Excellence in Operational Support.

Ms. Dent obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Elon University with an International Studies major, Asian concentration, and Political Science minor. She is a graduate of George Mason University, Public Policy master’s program.

Steven Dettelbach Director

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Steven M. Dettelbach was appointed by the President and sworn in as the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on July 13, 2022. Mr. Dettelbach is responsible for leading an agency of men and women charged with protecting the public by enforcing laws and regulations related to firearms, explosives, arson, and alcohol and tobacco trafficking. From 2009 to 2016, Mr. Dettelbach served as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. As U.S. Attorney, he oversaw high-profile investigations and both managed and personally handled large-scale, crisis-level litigations. He also supervised a broad docket of complex affirmative and defensive civil matters. After Clerking for the Hon. Stanley Sporkin, Mr. Dettelbach served from 1992 to 2006 as a career federal prosecutor in the Civil Rights Division at three United States Attorneys’ Offices. He was also detailed as counsel to the United States Senate Judiciary Committee shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Most recently, Mr. Dettelbach was a partner and litigation group leader at a major national law firm.

In this 30-year career, Mr. Dettelbach has been involved in nearly every type of criminal, civil, or regulatory investigation. He has also served in senior policy roles at the Department of Justice, having been appointed by two Attorneys General to the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). Mr. Dettelbach was also appointed to Chair the AGAC Civil Rights Subcommittee by both Attorneys General Holder and Lynch, and he was the longest serving Chair in the Obama Administration.

Mr. Dettelbach received his J.D. from Harvard University in 1991 and his B.A. from Dartmouth College in 1988. He is married with two children.

Col. Brenda Dietzman

Co-Founder – Wayfinder Consulting, LLC

Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office (Retired)

Col. Brenda Dietzman (Ret) has 28 years of law enforcement and corrections experience. In 2019, she retired from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office in Wichita, Kansas as the undersheriff in charge of jail operations. She oversaw two facilities with a total population of 1400+ inmates, 300+ employees and a $40 million budget. During her time in law enforcement, she also served as the captain in charge of the Patrol Division and the Judicial Division, a lieutenant in both the Patrol Division and the Special Project Unit, a Community Policing sergeant, detective, and a road patrol deputy. She now provides evidence-based training and has presented at numerous national, state and local events as well as for international audiences. She is an internationally certified IADLEST instructor.

She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Wichita State University. She enjoys traveling, photography, mountain biking, meditation and reading. She is married and has three rescue dogs.

Maureen Dixon

Special Agent in Charge

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations

Maureen Dixon is currently assigned as the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) for the Philadelphia Regional Office, Office of Investigations (OI), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG). SAC Dixon’s responsibilities include managing all OI operations in region 3, which covers the States of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Delaware, and the District of Columbia Field Office. SAC Dixon began her career in public service as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) while attending college at Syracuse University. SAC Dixon has 21 years of federal law enforcement experience serving as a Special Agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and HHS-OIG, investigating, leading, and supervising a wide variety of offenses, to include health care fraud, drug diversion, organized crime, smuggling, money laundering, contract fraud, grant fraud and identity theft. SAC Dixon has personally conducted and supervised numerous covert surveillance operations, TIIIs, and long-term complex investigations which utilized undercover law enforcement officers and confidential informants. SAC Dixon is a certified Adjunct Instructor for the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency’s (CIGIE) Inspector General Criminal Investigator Academy and facilitates at the IG Investigator and the IG Undercover Training Programs.

SAC Dixon is the recipient of numerous investigative awards from DOJ, DEA, HSI, and HHS-OIG. SAC Dixon holds a B.S. from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Danica Dupuy

Special Agent/National Program Manager

Continued Presence Program

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Homeland Security Investigations

Danica Dupuy, National Program Manager for the Continued Presence Program. SA Dupuy overseas all aspects of the program to include training and outreach; coordinating with multiple federal and state agencies; and approval of applications. SA Dupuy began her federal law enforcement career in 2009, as a Special Agent in New York with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). While in HSI New York, SA Dupuy was assigned to the Human Trafficking Unit, Human Smuggling Unit, Counterterrorism Criminal Exploitation Unit, and Bulk Cash Smuggling Unit.

Alfonso M. Dyson, Sr.

Chief Uniformed Division

United States Secret Service (Retired)

On January 31, 2022, Alfonso M. Dyson, Sr., was sworn in by U.S. Secret Service Director James M. Murray to serve as the agency’s 21st Chief of the Uniformed Division (UD). Prior to this promotion, Chief Dyson served UD as assistant chief, a position he held from March 2019 to January 2022.

Chief Dyson began his federal career as a federal police officer with the Secret Service Uniformed Division in February 1990. Following his training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the James J. Rowley Training Center, he was assigned to the White House Branch. In February 1997, Officer Dyson was promoted to the rank of sergeant and served at the White House Branch. In February 2000, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and remained at the White House for a brief period before his reassignment to Secret Service Headquarters, where he served in the Office of Chief as the vehicle fleet coordinator and administrative special projects coordinator. During his tenure as a lieutenant, Dyson served as the ranking member in charge of the Uniformed Division’s Recruitment Division and Honor Guard program.

Subsequent promotions to captain and inspector led Chief Dyson to a variety of leadership roles throughout the agency, including positions with the Secret Service’s Foreign Missions Branch (FMB), the FMB Office of the Deputy Chief and the Office of Government and Public Affairs. While there, he was detailed to the U.S. Capitol and worked closely with members of Congress, the House Sergeant-At-Arms, the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms, as well as ranking members of the U.S. Capitol Police. In January 2013, Inspector Dyson was transferred to the Secret Service Office of Professional Responsibility, Inspection Division, where he served until his promotion to deputy chief in January 2015 and assumed the high profile leadership position of branch commander for the White House Branch.

Over the course of his 33-year career, Chief Dyson has been the recipient of numerous performance awards and commendations. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the FBI National Executive Institute, and a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Chief Dyson is also the recipient of the Director’s Valor Award and the DHS Secretary’s Award for Excellence.

Kay K. Een

Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Diversity and Inclusion Program Office

Naval Criminal Investigative Service

Special Agent Kay Een serves as the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO) for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Diversity and Inclusion Program Office (DIPO). She is the full-time staff to the DIPO which is tasked to synchronize diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the agency and collectively support initiatives to implement the best business practices, encourage collaboration, and deliver proven solutions to nurture a more ready, resilient, and globally engaged workforce.

Special Agent Een started her career with NCIS in her home state of Hawaii in 2003. As an Agent, she has worked across the spectrum of criminal investigations, to include specializing in Internet Crimes Against Children and Procurement Fraud investigations. Special Agent Een served in multiple offices to include Okinawa, Japan; Camp Pendleton, California; Washington D.C. and NCIS Headquarters Quantico, Virginia. Prior to her current assignment, SA Een was the Resident Agent in Charge of NCISRA Okinawa where she held direct operational command of NCIS’ Criminal Investigations and National Security mission in support of the Navy and Marine Corps across the Okinawa Prefecture, as well as, in MCAS Iwakuni and surrounding areas.

Special Agent Een holds a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science from Chaminade University of Honolulu and is a Certified Coach for Leadership and Organization Well-Being. Prior to NCIS, Special Agent Een served honorably in the United States Navy as an Air Traffic Controller (Aviation Warfare) and Naval Air Crewman where she deployed in support of both Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM.

Dorene F. Erhard

Director of Executive Secretariat

Transportation Security Administration (Retired) Board Member, WIFLE Foundation, Inc. and Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Dorene F. Erhard began her federal career in New York, New York in 1970, with the then Treasury Department’s Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Division of the Internal Revenue Service (now the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), and in 1972, relocated to the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Ms. Erhard transferred in 1987, to the position of Senior Advisor to the Director of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, charged with overseeing economic sanctions programs and freezing assets of hostile foreign countries, terrorist, and international narcotics traffickers. This national security and foreign policy-related position was followed in 1999 by service on the newly formed Office of Professional Responsibility assigned to Treasury’s Under Secretary for Enforcement.

In 2001, Ms. Erhard was appointed to act as the Chief of Staff to the Acting Under Secretary for Enforcement during the transition of Administrations. Shortly after the creation of the Transportation Security Administration, Ms. Erhard transferred to assist in the set-up of the new agency and remained until her retirement in 2005. In addition to her position of the WIFLE Board of Directors, since retirement, Ms. Erhard has served as Co-Editor of WIFLE E-News. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York.

Colonel Elizabeth Evans Engineer Officer Florida Army National Guard

Colonel Elizabeth Evans, Florida Army National Guard, is a career Engineer Officer. COL Evans was assigned to the Florida Army National Guard Headquarters as the J5, St. Augustine, Florida. In this role she led a joint and inter-agency staff responsible for the planning and coordination of Florida’s COVID-19 testing response. Her team developed the concept of drive-through mass testing at football stadiums, a concept that was later replicated across the nation. Her operational assignments have included Battalion Command, Regional Alignment of Forces Task Force Commander, and Company Commander (3 tours both CONUS and OCONUS). Her staff assignments have included Florida Army National Guard J35, Battalion S3, Executive Officer to the Deputy Commanding General USACE, and 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Brigade Engineer. She received her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, her commission in 2000 from West Point, and her first master’s degree in business from Webster University in 2012. She earned a second master’s degree from the Joint Advanced

Warfighting School, Joint Forces Staff College, National Defense University in Norfolk, Virginia. COL Evans resides in Jacksonville Beach, Florida and serves as the CEO of E2 Design & Construction and VetCor of the First Coast.

Kelly Fenner

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Maryland Transit Administration

Kelly Fenner is a wife, mother, and a 26-year retired Captain from the Maryland Transit Administration Police Force in Baltimore, Maryland. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, a master’s degree in management with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and Change, a certificate for Diversity and Inclusion in HR from Cornell University and completed the FBI’s – Law Enforcement Executive Development School. During her tenure in law enforcement, Kelly started the trend of excelling in her craft by graduating Valedictorian amongst her counterparts from the police academy and then being the first woman to earn the prestigious title of Officer of the Year. Kelly worked in every facet of the department, from patrol, recruitment, training, administration, Internal Affairs, Criminal Investigations, and Special Operations to Technical Services. After retiring, she became the first Chief Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Officer for the Baltimore County Police Department. There Kelly focused on developing a strategy for a sustainable system of change to include restoring trust in the community and balancing inequities experienced by all underrepresented groups. After three years, she transitioned back to the state level.

Today, she continues the trailblazing trend by becoming the Maryland Department of Transportation/Maryland Transit Administration’s first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which incorporates the department from which she retired.

Heather C. Fischer

Senior

Advisor for Human Rights Crimes

Thomson Reuters Special Services, LLC

WIFLE Foundation, Inc. (Senior Advisor)

Heather C. Fischer is the senior advisor for human rights crimes at Thomson Reuters Special Services. Fischer currently serves on the Thomson Reuters Special Services Executive Leadership Team, informing its work on the intersection of national security and human rights crimes, including human trafficking and child exploitation. Additionally, she leads the company’s strategy to promote Women, Peace, and Security.

Prior to joining Thomson Reuters Special Services, Fischer most recently served as the U.S. Government’s

White House special advisor for human trafficking. In her capacity as the Human Trafficking Czar, she coordinated the Executive Office of the President and the 20 federal agencies on the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

Previously, Fischer also served as special advisor to the Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons at the U.S. State Department. Before her government roles, Fischer held advisory roles at the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University and at Love146, a global nonprofit dedicated to combating child sex trafficking and exploitation.

Today, Fischer is an advisor to the United Nations Order of Malta and the Women in Federal Law Enforcement Foundation, Inc. She is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves as the board chairperson of the Freedom Collaborative and board member of RecollectiV.

Fischer is a recent recipient of the prestigious Eisenhower USA Fellowship. She is currently a candidate in the Executive Master of International Relations program at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. Fischer holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Liberty University.

Tammy Flanagan

Federal Benefits Specialist

National Institute of Transition Planning

Tammy Flanagan has been providing retirement planning assistance to federal employees since 1985 was a retirement benefits specialist at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Her extensive knowledge of the federal benefits systems and her ability to explain difficult concepts in an easy-to-understand manner has made her a sought-after speaker and presenter at preretirement seminars, training conferences, and online training events. You can find individual retirement and pre-retirement counseling services and you may contact Tammy through her website at www.RetireFederal.com.

Ms. Flanagan is the Senior Benefits Director for the National Institute of Transition Planning, Inc. which has been conducting pre-retirement seminars and workshops throughout the Washington, D.C area and beyond since 1985. Since 2006, Tammy has authored the popular weekly “Retirement Planning” column for Government Executive online magazine. More than 250,000 subscribers have learned how to prepare for a smooth transition to retirement through this regular feature available at www.govexec.com.

In 2015, Ms. Flanagan became certified in long term care insurance and has conducted webinars and live events for the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program. Her webinars can be found archived at www. ltcfeds.com. Tammy has developed relationships with certified financial planners, estate planning attorneys, and certified public accounts and has partnered with these professionals in coordinating individual retirement plans. Through her relationship with CFP Micah Shilanski, they have developed online training programs on a variety of topics that join Tammy’s benefit knowledge with Micah’s financial planning expertise and are available for individual enrollment at http://www.plan-your-federalretirement.com/.

Tammy was honored to have been selected as one of Money Magazine’s “Money Heroes” of 2012 for helping federal employees prepare for life after retirement.

Suzann Gallagher

Deputy Assistant Inspector General Investigative Operations

U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General Suzann Gallagher was sworn in as the Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigative Operations, Office of Investigations, Department of Labor, in January 2023. She assists the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations (AIGI) providing direction for the OIG’s nationwide investigative program and leading the Office of Investigations-Labor Racketeering and Fraud.

Gallagher previously served as USAID’s AIGI overseeing investigative operations promoting the integrity of agency personnel, programs, and operations and responding to allegations of fraud, theft, bribery, and senior official misconduct. She first joined USAID in 2018 as the Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations and has advanced partnerships with oversight and law enforcement organizations across the globe.

Gallagher began her law enforcement career as a special agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), serving as the Special Agent in Charge of the Middle East Field Office, Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the Washington Field Office, and Supervisory Special Agent at NCISHQ and the Washington Field Office. Her experience with NCIS included conducting counterintelligence, counterterrorism, procurement fraud, and criminal investigations across several continents.

Gallagher began her federal career with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. She attended Cornell University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. She also holds a Master’s in Arts in Education from Columbia University and a Master’s in Arts in Medieval Studies from the University of Notre Dame. Her awards include the Joint Civilian Service Commendation, Women in Federal Law Enforcement Leadership Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation for response to the Washington Navy Yard shooting, and a Department of Defense Counterintelligence Investigation Team Award

Dr. Rhonda Glover Reese CEO

Rhonda M. Glover Group, LLC

Dr. Reese was born in Annapolis, Maryland, and raised in Washington, D.C. She graduated from ODU in Norfolk, Virginia, with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. She later received an M.S. degree in Management from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Finally, she received her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from the Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dr. Reese served with the FBI for 34 years. Thirty of those years were as a Special Agent. She served in leadership roles such as Program Manager/Program Coordinator, Supervisory Special Agent, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, and acting Senior Executive Service roles within the FBI.

Dr. Reese is a Life Member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, where, from 2002 to 2022, she served as the Youth Committee Chairperson. impacting more than 3,700 youth. Dr. Reese is a member of WIFLE and the IACP, where she served on the Human and Civil Rights Committee. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Public Safety Cadets. Other membership organizations include being a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and a Life Member of the NCNW. Dr. Reese also serves on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Initiative Network at ODU and the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute.

In September 2007, Dr. Reese was presented with the FBI Director’s Award for EEO. In September 2012, she was selected to participate in the prestigious Master’s Series for Distinguished Leaders through the Skinner Leadership Institute. In May 2017, Dr. Reese received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarian Services from the Lincoln College of New England, where she was the first female commencement day speaker in the 50-year history of the school. She also received the Johns Hopkins University 2018 Woodrow Wilson Award for Distinguished Government Service and serves on the Johns Hopkins University Alumni Council. Dr. Reese was honored by Success Magazine as one of 50 women selected as a “2022 Woman of Influence.” Dr. Reese is also a co-author of the best-selling book, “Dear Fear Volume 2:18 Powerful Lessons on Living Your Best Life on the Other Side of Fear.” She is also an international speaker.

Yowanda Godfrey

Chief Diversity Officer

Senior Advisor to the PFPA Director

Pentagon Force Protection Agency

Yowanda Godfrey joined the Department of Defense (DoD) Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA) in January 2008. Currently, Ms. Godfrey holds two positions: Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) and Sr. Advisor to the PFPA Director.

As the CDO, Ms. Godfrey oversees all Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives and the development of programs aligned within the overarching PFPA C.A.R.E.S. program, which is an acronym for “Creating a Culture of Alliance Respect and Equity where all feel Safe.” Ms. Godfrey leads efforts to promote and reinforce a workplace culture where mutual respect, trust, accountability, innovation, empowerment, and communication are the foundations for producing and maintaining a healthy workforce climate; a climate where all employees, regardless of race, gender, age, position, or sexual identity are valued. Ms. Godfrey advises senior leadership and a team of DEIA Working Group members on workforce improvement recommendations, and employee and leadership engagement opportunities. Ms. Godfrey is responsible for ensuring that the DEIA strategic initiatives are embedded throughout the PFPA processes, practices, and procedures.

As Sr. Advisor to the PFPA Director, Ms. Godfrey analyzes management issues and develops recommendations and alternative solutions. She prepares briefings, issue papers, and discussion points on agency decisions and issues affecting the PFPA mission, which are reviewed by the Director for Administration and Management (DA&M), and often viewed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. She participates in special task forces and process action teams, represents the Director in senior-level meetings, and is a liaison between internal and external partners.

Linda Gray

Workforce Development Executive Human Resources Consultant Office of Land Emergency Management Environmental Protection Agency

Linda Gray is a Native Washingtonian with an extensive 30-year career in Human Resources in the federal government. She has served in various leadership roles in seven federal agencies to include FAA; TSA; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; IRS; DOD, and SBA. She is currently a senior executive at the Environmental Protection Agency where she serves as a human resources consultant, Workforce Development Executive in the Office of Land Emergency Management (OLEM).

Her human resources experience includes strategic leadership of all policy, planning, and oversight activities associated with human resources programs and policies. Some of her human resources highlights include transforming and streamlining the frontline hiring process; instituting process improvements in all areas of human resources through technology; traveling abroad to assess HR programs and processes in Kenya and Ghana; and standing up a benefits operations center. Ms. Gray served on a detail at Bowie State University where she mentored and led the next generation of federal employees and leaders. She taught various sessions on leveraging strengths and aligning majors to federal employment. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Justice from The American University. Ms. Gray is also a graduate of the Senior Managers in Government, Harvard Kennedy School. She holds certifications in Emotional Intelligence; MBTI; DISC; FourSight; Stephen Covey’s Leading Across Generations; The seven Habits of Effective Leaders; Leading at the Speed of Trust; Clifton Strengths and Executive Coaching. She also led the development of several leadership development sessions and workshops. Ms. Gray is the CEO and President of The “L” Group, LLC, a consultation service providing training, consulting, coaching, and leadership development. She is also a certified member of the John Maxwell Leadership Team.

Carla Harris

Program Manager

Pentagon Force Protection Agency

Employee Engagement Group (Co-Lead)

Mrs. Carla Harris is the Program Manager for the Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA) Military Construction Program. As Program Manager, Mrs. Harris is responsible for the initiation, planning, execution, management, and closeout of numerous PFPA Military Construction Projects. Mrs. Harris is also an active member of the Agency’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Working Group, a Team Lead for the Sustainment sub-group, and Co-Lead of the first Employee Engagement Group (EEG) “Women Leaning in for Excellence.”

Prior to joining the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, Mrs. Harris served eight years in the United States Army as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant Promotable. While serving, Mrs. Harris completed the Primary Leadership Development Course, the Basic Non-Commissioned Officers Course, and the Biological Integrated Detection System course. Mrs. Harris is a war veteran with two tours to Iraq under her belt. After being honorably discharged in 2006, Mrs. Harris joined the Pentagon Force Protection Agency as a contractor with the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Division. Eight months later, when an opportunity presented itself to work in the Operations Center as a Program Analyst, Mrs. Harris accepted the challenge. From there, she began working on construction projects for the Agency.

Mrs. Harris grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, is married, and has a six-year-old son and Jack Russell Terrier. Family is the most important aspect of her life. She believes in being a voice for the voiceless; integrity, empathy, compassion, and loyalty are values she lives by each day. She believes there is always a “yes” somewhere, and if you lead with the heart, you cannot go wrong.

Mrs. Harris earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland.

Christine Harris

Physical Security Specialist

Electronic Security Systems Branch

Enterprise Security Directorate

Pentagon Force Protection Agency

Employee Engagement Group (Co-Lead)

Christine Harris currently is a Physical Security Specialist assigned to Electronic Security Systems (ESS) Branch, Enterprise Physical Security Directorate (EPSD), Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA), Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia.

In July of 2018, Mrs. Harris began her career with PFPA as a Police Officer and was recognized by the Chief Management Officer as PFPA’s Officer of the Year, 2019. In August 2020, PFPA’s Chief of Staff asked her to serve as a sub-group member for the agency’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Working Group. She is currently co-leading her agency’s first Employee Engagement Group, “Women Leaning in for Excellence”.

Prior to joining the federal government as a civil servant, Mrs. Harris worked for a Global Fortune 500 company during Operation Inherent Resolve as a Security Manager in Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. As the subject matter expert, she managed the interface operations among systems reporting derogatory data for persons of interest tied to acts of terrorism and/or affiliates. Additionally, she served as continuity for the installation Threat Working Group, authored program policy, trained military personnel, and acted as the liaison between U.S. military and Kuwaiti military counterparts.

Prior to working for a Global Fortune 500 company, Mrs. Harris enlisted in the United States Air Force and attended Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), Texas. Her first assignment was to Vogelweh Air Base, Germany as a Security Forces Member. She ended her enlistment stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland assigned to the Protective Service Detail assisting the United States Secret Services in support POTUS/VPOTUS and foreign dignitary security. During her six-year enlistment, she deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF) in 2006, 2009, and 2011.

Suzanne R. Hines

Instructor - Leadership Institute

Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

Suzanne R. Hines was appointed as an instructor with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) Leadership Institute in November 2015. In this capacity, she has facilitated hundreds of leadership classes both in person and virtually in domestic and international environments including the International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEAs) and INTERPOL. She is a certified instructor in leadership theories, concepts, and practices. Courses taught include Leadership for Women in Law Enforcement, Leadership in a Crisis, Leadership Through Understanding Human Behavior, and Law Enforcement Supervisors Leadership Training Program. The curriculum includes, but is not limited to, conflict management, organizational change, critical thinking, collaboration, decision making, gender strengths, gender intelligence, and wellness in law enforcement.

Ms. Hines is also certified in three critical areasDISC, Motivators, and Emotional Intelligence. These certifications allow her to focus her instruction on human behavior and communication which are key to successful leadership. Her belief is that you must first know yourself and then know others. And when you couple that information with strong emotional intelligence, you can take your leadership to the next level. Leadership is a choice and she encourages participants to take the tools provided in the courses and use them to guide them in their leadership journey.

Ms. Hines’ law enforcement career includes over 32 years with the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) where she worked a myriad of tax and financial investigations. She held numerous collateral duties including Recruiter, On-the-Job Instructor, Public Information Officer, Physical Fitness Coordinator, member of the Use of Force Cadre, liaison for the Joint Terrorism Task Force and served on several Presidential Election Protection Details and the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. She was a mentor for both new hires and frontline managers. She was certified as an instructor/ facilitator for the IRS and facilitated the Frontline Leadership Training Program for IRS-CI new managers at the FLETC.

Her operational assignments, combined with her experience as an instructor/course developer brings over

39 years of law enforcement experience that focuses on leadership and application of real-life situations.

Suzanne graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in December 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology/Pre-Law. She is married and has one son.

Loucious Hires

Executive

Office of Equity and Employee Support Services

United States Secret Service

Loucious Hires is the Executive of the Office of Equity and Employee Support Services at the United States Secret Service. Mr. Hires provides strategic advice, guidance, and direction on all matters pertaining to EEO, DEIA, as well as, managing the following critical programs: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the Employee Assistance Program, the Ombudsman Program, and the Chaplain Program.

Prior to the Secret Service, Mr. Hires was the EEO Director for the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Mr. Hires served on the Huntsville YMCA and the Riley Center board. He co-led the first Diversity and Inclusion Symposium for the city of Huntsville and was a part of Leadership Huntsville class L31.

Mr. Hires proudly served in the United States Army, beginning his EEO career in 1996 as a senior equal opportunity advisor for the 7th Army Training Command in Grafenwoehr, Germany and retired in 2002.

Mr. Hires holds a bachelor’s degree in resource management and an associate degree in business administration from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He graduated from the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies in Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Management, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education with a certification in Promoting Racial Equity in the Workplace.

Mr. Hires was ordained a Deacon in 2010 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. He and his wife, Kim, are the proud parents of two sons, Kennon and Kevin, and a daughter and son-in-law, Ari and Brandon.

Mary Hogan

Community Relations Officer

Department of Homeland Security

Mary Hogan has been the Community Relations Officer for the Department of Homeland Security since September 2016. While this formal program is new to this agency; it has been long understood that community engagement is necessary in building trust between law enforcement and the communities where they serve. This position essentially solidifies that understanding and weaves it into the basic structure of the agency. Mary currently covers the states of Minnesota, The Dakotas, Iowa, and Nebraska.

Prior to this Community Relations position, Mary worked in Victim/Witness services for almost twenty years. She served on the local Board of Education for twelve years as both a member and Vice-president. Mary is a former Federal Correctional Officer with the U.S. Department of Justice and is also a veteran of the U.S. Army Military Police. She met her husband while they were both serving in West Berlin as part of the Berlin Brigade.

As a Community Relations Officer, Mary represents the agency to the public as well as community leaders and organizations. She provides information and education in the various responsibilities of the agency and her goal is to create and maintain strong partnerships with a variety of stakeholders.

Jamie Holt

Special Agent in Charge

Homeland Security Investigations

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Jamie Holt is currently the Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the principal investigative component of the Department of Homeland Security. HSI investigates, disrupts, and dismantles transnational criminal organizations and terrorist networks that threaten or seek to exploit the customs and immigration laws of the United States.

Prior to this assignment, Ms. Holt served as the Deputy Special Agent in Charge for HSI St. Paul where she oversaw law enforcement operations in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In 2017, Ms. Holt served as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the HSI Philadelphia office, where she oversaw a diverse group of investigative teams including national security and child exploitation, as well as the expansion of outlying offices throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Holt has held several key leadership positions within HSI, and led the development and transformation of the national cyber-crime program at the HSI Cyber Crimes Center in Washington, D.C. During her career, Ms. Holt served as the Acting Chief of Staff for the Assistant Director of Intelligence, and as the Acting Chief Intelligence Officer for the HSI Los Angeles field office. Ms. Holt started her HSI career in the Los Angeles field office where she held a variety of positions before promoting to a supervisor. In 2000, Ms. Holt started her federal law enforcement career as a Border Patrol Agent assigned to Nogales, Arizona.

Ms. Holt holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Spanish from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville.

Dr. Mary Beth Janke

Author, Speaker, and Self-Esteem Mentor

Dr. Mary Beth Janke has over 30 years of psychology, security, and investigative experience. She has had a varied career that included being a Special Agent in the Washington Field Office the United States Secret Service. She went on to become a protection agent on numerous government contracts and was the only female to ever officially protect a foreign president outside of the United States. As part The Investigative Group in Washington D.C., Dr. Janke lead an inquiry during the “Iraqgate” investigation and an investigation for 60 Minutes news magazine show on the Duke Lacrosse scandal. She also served as a counselor in the Stalking Unit of Victim Services in Queens, New York. Dr. Janke holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Widener University, a master’s degree in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Indiana University. Dr. Janke currently works as a consultant in the fields of forensic and clinical psychology, threat assessment, and protective security. She also taught Abnormal Psychology and the Psychology of Crime and Violence at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. for four years. In April of 2020, Dr. Janke’s book, ‘The Protector: A Woman’s Journey from the Secret Service to Protecting VIPs in the World’s Most Dangerous Places’ was published. It is a memoir of her life as told through the exciting and dangerous missions she accepted as one of the few females in the world of international executive protection agent.

Kathryn Jones

Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Government of the District of Columbia, Office of the Inspector General

Dr. Kathryn Jones was born in Washington, D.C, and grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she graduated from Montgomery Blair High School. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Maryland, College Park – Go Terps!! She also holds a Master’s degree from Central Michigan University. Kathryn began her career in law enforcement investigating white-collar crime in 1990 as a U.S. Secret Service Special Agent assigned to the Washington Field Office. From 1997-2000, she served on the Vice-Presidential Protective Detail. Kathryn spent the remainder of her 26-year federal government career with the National Labor Relations Board and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Offices of Inspector General (OIG), as a Special Agent, Special Agent in-Charge of the Washington Regional Field Office, and as the Director of Strategic Programs and Training in Headquarters. While at the DOT OIG, she managed a team who successfully investigated and prosecuted the Toyota Motor Corporation for faulty vehicle equipment, resulting in a $1.2 billion civil forfeiture. Her team was awarded the CIGIE Gaston L. Gianni, Jr. Better Government Award. After retirement from DOT OIG in 2016, Kathryn has served as a Security Representative Consultant for the Washington Mystics and the Washington Wizards, worked with TSA as an Armed Security Officer, and acted as a Subject Matter Expert for Tyler Technologies to manage software products and accounts for investigative agencies. She is an ACFE Certified Fraud Examiner and the Deputy Inspector General for Investigations at the D.C. Department of the Inspector General.

Amber R. Jordan, Esq.

Office of Counsel

Inspector Attorney

Labor and Litigation Group

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Vice President – Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. Executive Committee

Amber Jordan, a graduate of the University of Virginia and Saint Louis University School of Law, began her career as a United States Postal Inspector in New York where she performed investigations to deter workplace violence and security fraud related incidents. In this capacity, Amber effectuated numerous federal arrests resulting in federal prosecutions, convictions, and the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals upholding two convictions.

In 2017 and 2018, Amber won WIFLE Awards for Outstanding Federal Law Enforcement Employee and Outstanding Advocate for Women in Law Enforcement. In 2019, Amber was promoted to the position of Inspector Attorney. Additionally, Amber has held several leadership roles by serving as Acting Deputy Chief Counsel and as an Acting Team Leader.

Amber has also participated in several projects including but not limited to developing and administering an African American Cultural Awareness Training, leading recruitment initiatives, serving as the Lead for a project dedicated to updating policies and procedures, assisting with Fair and Impartial Policing Implicit Bias Trainings, developing a legal case management system, and serving as the Agency’s representative for WIFLE.

Prior to joining the Agency, Amber practiced various areas of law as an Assistant Attorney General and as a Senior Attorney. Throughout her career, Amber has demonstrated a dedication to effectuating positive change to increase diversity and equity.

In 2022, Amber Jordan was appointed to serve as the Secretary of the WIFLE, Inc., Executive Committee and she currently serves as the Vice President of the WIFLE, Inc., Executive Committee.

Jean Kanokogi, Ph.D. Senior Special Agent (Retired) U.S. Government

Jean Kanokogi, Ph.D. is Senior Special Agent (ret.) for the U.S. Government with extensive experience in conducting a myriad of investigations, including several high-profile cases. She is a sought-after speaker and presenter in corporate, law enforcement, and mental health arenas as she connects with people through her expertise in resilience, emotional intelligence, interviewing skills, firearms/martial arts tactics, and humor – she keeps it real.

She authored numerous mental health and law enforcement-related articles for professional journals. She holds a B.S./M.S. in Criminal Justice/Protection Management and a PhD in Psychology. She is the coauthor of the award-winning best seller, “Get Up & FightThe Memoir of Rusty Kanokogi” and tells the story of how one ordinary woman changed the world for so many.

Jean is the Director of Mental Health and Peer Support Services for the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. She works daily to bridge the gap between law enforcement and mental wellness and in support of that, she worked on legislation that was signed into Public Law. She is a 9/11 first responder and uses her experience to help others. She is a Department of Homeland Security Senior Instructor on all behavioral science topics and has worked with the High Value Detainee Interrogation Group.

Apart from her work in mental health and law enforcement, Jean is a 6th degree black belt in judo and was a member of the U.S. National Judo Team. Her unique combination of skills and experience has made her a well-respected professional in her field.

Rebecca Keel Educator and Diversity Consultant Anti-Defamation League

Rebecca is an educator and diversity consultant with over 20 years of experience. Earlier in her career, Rebecca was a teacher for ten years, working in classrooms in rural North Carolina and New York City. While in NYC, she was as a founding staff member of a small high school in Brooklyn and served as an administrator across NYC schools, coaching school leaders and teachers. Currently, Rebecca facilitates anti-bias trainings for schools, hospitals, community organizations and law enforcement for the Anti-Defamation League, Holocaust education programs with Echoes & Reflections, and, working with K-12 school architecture firms, supports educators in analyzing their use of space within the context of their curriculum. In addition, Rebecca is the Project Coordinator for the Willesden READS program, a partnership between USC Shoah Foundation and Hold On To Your Music. She works with school leaders, cultural and historical institutions to plan and implement the Willesden READ program, bringing it to thousands of students around the world.

Rebecca holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of North Carolina Asheville, focusing on the intersection of race and poverty, an M.S. Ed. in School Leadership from Baruch College, and an M.S. in Interior Design from Pratt Institute, with a focus on K-12 school architecture.

Rebecca’s passion is to create space - physical and interpersonal - in communities, schools, and organizations that inspire the better humanity in each of us. She currently resides in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Erika Keyes

Assistant Special Agent in Charge

Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of the Inspector General

Erika Keyes serves as the Assistant Special Agent Charge (ASAC) at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Defense Nuclear Facility Safety Board Office of the Inspector General (NRC and DNFSB OIG). Ms. Keyes has spent the last 17 years with the OIG, having grown in education, experience, and responsibility from a Special Agent to a Senior Special Agent, and now as an ASAC. In this role, Ms. Keyes manages and oversees high profile complex technical investigations as well as employee misconduct, theft, and suspected fraud, waste and abuse related to programs and operations of NRC and DNFSB OIG. A high-energy problem solver, Ms. Keyes uses her experience to provide effective leadership, guidance, direction, and training to a staff of diverse personnel, while promoting an open and collaborative work environment.

Prior to becoming a Special Agent at the NRC and DNFSB OIG, Ms. Keyes held various roles at the U.S. Department of the Treasury/Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where she served as a Police Officer, a Supervisory Police Officer, and then an Investigator. With more than 25 years of law enforcement experience, Ms. Keyes continues to be highly regarded and knowledgeable law enforcement professional. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland College Park in Criminal Justice and Criminology. Also, she is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and is currently working towards receiving her CFE Certification.

On the personal side, Ms. Keyes enjoys physical fitness, the theatre, and dance. Further, she considers herself a foodie and enjoys new taste experiences, and she credits her faith as what helps her through life’s challenges.

Monica Laguna

Assistant Special Agent in Charge

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Homeland Security Investigations

Monica Laguna is currently an Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Calexico and has oversight of over 100 Special Agents, task force officer, and administrative personnel. MS. Laguna manages and directs all. investigative operations, administrative activities and represents HSI within the Imperial Valley, California. Ms. Laguna has oversight of eight GS-14 group supervisors and two Program Managers and is responsible for servicing three ports of entry that are situated on the Mexicali, Mexico- Imperial Valley, California border. The Mexicali-Imperial Valley is a significant, lucrative drug and alien smuggling corridor which extends approximately 4,600 square miles bordering Mexico, Yuma County, Arizona, and San Diego County. ASAC Laguna serves as a member of the Executive Board of the Imperial Valley Drug Coalition.

Ms. Laguna began her career in 2002 in San Luis, Arizona where she was assigned as an inspector with the U.S. Customs Service. In this capacity, she enforced laws pertaining to Immigration and Nationality and the importation/exportation of commercial goods into the country. In 2007, Ms. Laguna joined U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a Special Agent assigned to ASAC Yuma, where she conducted criminal investigations across a multitude of programmatic areas.

In 2014, Ms. Laguna was assigned to the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) in Calexico, California as a Senior Special Agent, where she investigated allegations of employee criminal conduct and malfeasance. In 2017, Ms. Laguna was promoted to Group Supervisor in HSI Calexico and oversaw the Investigative Services program. She was later reassigned to HSI Yuma, where she supervised the HSI Yuma Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) / Joint Port Enforcement Group.

In 2018, Ms. Laguna served as the HSI Headquarters Domestic Operations National Program Manager for HSI Detroit, HSI Kansas City, HSI Philadelphia, and HSI St. Paul, where she provided critical operational and strategic support for major investigative endeavors. She later served as Acting Operations Chief for the Southeast and Islands regions within Domestic Operations, where she served immediately prior to joining SAC Charlotte.

In 2020, Ms. Laguna was promoted to ASAC and assigned to HSI Charlotte as the administrative ASAC during which she managed all of HSI Charlotte’s administrative disciplines, including the Asset Forfeiture Program, Technical Operations, State and Local Overtime (SLOT), Congressional Relations, Significant Public Benefit Parole (SPBP), Firearms, and Victim Assistance programs.

Nicole Landen

Niagara Falls Facilities Chief

Port of Buffalo, New York

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Nicole Landen currently serves as the Niagara Falls Facilities Chief in the Port of Buffalo, New York. In this role, Ms. Landen has oversight of facilities and operations of the Rainbow and Whirlpool Bridge Ports of Entry, to include the Niagara Falls Nexus Enrollment Center and the Amtrak Processing station.

Ms. Landen previously served as the Port of Buffalo’s Training Chief, having direct oversight of the Field Training and Use of Force Training Units; together these programs are responsible for ensuring 650 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers and Agricultural Specialists at the busiest port of entry on the northern border are trained in the most recent and relevant federal laws and policies, firearms proficiency, and less lethal defensive techniques.

Ms. Landen began her Federal Law Enforcement career over 20 years ago with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service as an Immigration Inspector. After transitioning to a Customs and Border Protection Officer with the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, she was promoted to a Supervisory Officer in 2008 and then achieved her current rank of Chief CBP Officer in 2015.

Ms. Landen serves as a Lead Instructor for CBP’s Essential Supervisory Skills (ESS) course that administers front-line, OFO-specific training to newly promoted supervisors to accelerate their transition to leadership by focusing on the skills needed to apply operation-specific tactical command policies, procedures, and decision-making processes. She served as a vital member of the ESS virtual-transition team in 2020 when the course became 100% web-based due to the pandemic, leading the industry with a successful no-cost delivery.

Ms. Landen is a founding Field Champion for the Buffalo Field Office’s Law Enforcement, Leadership, Legacy (3L) Alliance Program that was designed to build an OFO-specific program to assist in recruiting, developing, and retaining female officers by promoting mentorship, support systems, and empathetic leadership to foster a more inclusive workforce culture.

Chief Landen holds a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in Justice Administration from Columbus State University.

Jessie L. Lane

Vice President - WIFLE Foundation, Inc., and Deputy Executive Director, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

United States Secret Service (Retired)

On January 8, 1979, Jessie Lane began her career with the U.S. Secret Service as a Stay-in-School clerk with the Richmond Field Office. A native of Richmond, Virginia, she attended Virginia Commonwealth University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications in 1982. In 1985, she accepted the position of Writer/Editor in the Office of Government Liaison and Public Affairs, where she wrote speeches and press releases on behalf of the agency’s director and his executive staff.

In 2002, Ms. Lane was selected to serve as the agency’s first Diversity Program Manager. She constructed an inclusive strategy that validated the mission-related benefits derived from employing people with diverse backgrounds. In 2007, she received a Master of Science in Management from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Ms. Lane served as the 2011 Woman in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. President and was the first woman to hold that position from the non-sworn ranks of women working in the federal law enforcement agencies.

In February 2020, Jessie became the Vice President of WIFLE Foundation, Inc., and Deputy Executive Director of Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. In January 2021, Ms. Lane was appointed to serve as the Acting Executive for the U.S. Secret Service’s Office of Equity and Employee Support Services. During this assignment, she managed the daily operations of the following major programs: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Program, the Employee Assistance Program, the Ombudsman Program, and the Chaplain Program.

Barbara D. Linney

Partner, BakerHostetler

General Counsel, WIFLE Foundation, Inc. and Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Barbara D. Linney, based in Washington D.C., is a partner and co-lead of the international trade practice team at the law firm of BakerHostetler. She has been advising both U.S. and global clients on international trade and business issues for more than 25 years, including on matters such as export controls and economic sanctions, defense security and foreign investment, and anticorruption compliance.

Ms. Linney serves clients across a broad spectrum of industries, with particular focus on the defense, aerospace, oil and gas, maritime, and medical device industries. Her practice involves representing clients before various federal agencies, including the U.S.

Departments of Commerce (BIS), Defense (DSS), and State (DDTC), as well as the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). She is admitted to practice in Alberta, Canada, England & Wales, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Ms. Linney serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Georgetown University Law Center, frequently is invited to speak on international trade and business issues at national and international conferences, and is the author of numerous articles on international trade and business issues. She is a member of the American Bar Association’s Section of International Law (SIL) and currently serves as a Vice Chair of the SIL’s National Security Committee and Women’s Interest Network (WIN).

Ms. Linney also is a member, a Past President, and pro bono General Counsel of The Association of Women in International Trade (WIIT) as well as a recipient of the WIIT Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, she is a founding member of WIFLE and a past recipient of WIFLE’s Executive Committee Award for her contributions to WIFLE as pro bono General Counsel, a position in which she has served for over twenty years.

June Liu

Special Agent

National Program Manager

Center for Countering Human Trafficking

Department of Homeland Security

Since May of 2022, Special Agent June Liu is assigned to the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking as a National Program Manager for the Forced Labor in the Supply Chain Section.

Agent Liu joined DHS/ICE in 2002 as an Immigration Enforcement Agent in the San Francisco office, and in 2006 became a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations in the Los Angeles office and worked various cases involving transnational crimes and public safety. In 2015, Agent Liu was assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force in Los Angeles and in 2016-2021 was an ICE/HSI Representative in Beijing, China. In 2021-2022, Agent Liu was to the HSI Las Vegas Human Trafficking Task Force.

Agent Liu graduated from the University of Kansas, majoring in Business Administration.

Melissa Lucio

Patrol Agent in Charge

United States Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Retired) Secretary, WIFLE Foundation, Inc.

Melissa Ann Lucio retired from the Department of Homeland Security where she worked for over 28 plus years. As a United States Border Patrol, Patrol Agent in Charge, she led hundreds of agents in the security of the United States. Mrs. Lucio served as a seasoned government professional in diverse law enforcement operational and government administrative positions and met challenges in complex environments with proven leadership, and professional competence. She is skilled in human capital investment; strategic and operational planning; crisis management; threat management; risk mitigation; national and border security; law enforcement; emergency management; intelligence analysis; government and policing. She continues to forge strong relationships and coalitions across the public and private sectors.

Mrs. Lucio graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business-Organizational Innovation and an associate degree in the Foundations of Business. She is a 2014 graduate of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Leadership Institute, a 2016 graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police, and a 2018 graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy Session 273. In 2018, she successfully completed and was issued a Graduate Certificate of Achievement from the University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Education.

Mrs. Lucio has been married to Rick Lucio for 39 years and is the proud mother of five magnificent sons: Daniel, David, Derek, Dario and Duran; has two lovely daughtersin-law, Josie and Wendy, and four extraordinary grandchildren, Lily, Sadie, Daario Milo, and Fox Waller.

Amy Jo Lyons

Vice President, Corporate Security

BristolMyers Squibb

Board Member, WIFLE Foundation, Inc. and Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc.

Assistant Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation

(Retired)

In her current position as Vice President of Corporate Security for Bristol-Myers Squibb, Ms. Lyons has global responsibility for identifying and mitigating security risks to the company. Ms. Lyons retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation as the Assistant Director of the Inspection Division following her role as Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Baltimore Division. Early in her career, Ms. Lyons was a Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Ball State University. Ms. Lyons was the 2009 President for WIFLE, Inc. and continues to serve as a WIFLE Board Member.

Maureen Q. McGough

Chief of Strategic Initiatives for the Policing Project

New York University School of Law

Co-Founder, 30x30 Initiative

Maureen Q. McGough is the Chief of Strategic Initiatives for the Policing Project at NYU Law, where she oversees national efforts to improve accountability and transparency in policing. She joined the Policing Project from the National Police Foundation (now the National Policing Institute), where she led the non-profit’s research, training, and technical assistance efforts as Director of National Programs.

Prior to joining the National Policing Institute, Maureen spent a decade with the federal government in various roles with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of State. She served as Senior Police Advisor to the Director of the National Institute of Justice – the USDOJ’s research, development and evaluation agency – where she led agency efforts to advance evidence-based policing, improve the representation of women in policing, and implement systems-level criminal justice reform initiatives.

Maureen is a member of the FBI’s Law Enforcement Education and Training Council, an executive board member for the American Society of Evidence-Based Policing, and is a recent public leadership executive fellow with the Brookings Institution. Maureen is an attorney and earned her J.D. from the George Washington University Law School.

Stephanie McGuigan

U.S. Postal Inspector

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Stephanie McGuigan is a U.S. Postal Inspector in Columbia, South Carolina, where she primarily investigates mail fraud, organized financial crimes, and violent crimes. Stephanie is a Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and First/AID CPR Instructor. Stephanie started her career with USPIS in 2016, as a Postal Inspector in Laredo, Texas.

Stephanie began her career in federal law enforcement as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent assigned to Laredo. During her time as Border Patrol Agent, Stephanie patrolled drug and human smuggling routes and tracked lost migrants across the South Texas dessert. In addition to field work, Stephanie was assigned to the Public Affairs Unit, and the Laredo Sector Special Operations Detachment as a physical fitness instructor to Border Patrol and other law enforcement agents. Stephanie graduated from the University of Central Florida with her Bachelor of Arts in 2010.

Carolyn J. McMillon, MA, ACC

Owner, ASK-Coaching-Training-Consulting, The Power of 3, LLC

Office of Equity and Employee Support Services

Executive – U.S. Secret Service (Retired)

Carolyn Jean McMillon, a graduate of the Georgetown University Transformational Executive Leadership Coaching Program, is a leadership coach who partners with current and future leaders seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and reach their greatest potential. She is also a professional trainer and consulting in the field of Diversity and Inclusion, Equity, and Equal Employment Opportunity. She is the owner and operator of ASK-Coaching-Training-Consulting, The Power of 3 , LLC which she launched upon retiring from the United States Secret Service. Prior to her retirement from the Federal government, Ms. McMillon served as the U.S. Secret Service’s first Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Director to rise to the Senior Executive Service (SES) ranks where she held a dual-hatted position as both, Executive of the Office of Equity and Employee Support Services (EES) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Director. Not only is Ms. McMillon a Leadership Coach, she also holds credentials as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). In addition, Ms. McMillon possesses a Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources and Development and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Gerontology. McMillon is also a published author: “Askers, Seekers, and Knockers: I Asked--Turning Challenges into Triumphs.” trafficking into the U.S. and advised U.S. Ambassadors on conducting diplomacy in active combat zones. Jessica served three years on the Foreign Service Journal Editorial Board and just completed a Master of Science at the prestigious U.S. Department of Defense Advanced Warfighting School, where her thesis focused on space diplomacy and electromagnetic pulse weapons in the space warfighting domain.

Prior to joining the Department of State, Jessica worked for the World Bank in Washington, D.C., and for a multinational risk management corporation in Houston. Jessica has a B.A. in International Studies from DePaul University, where she was recognized by the School of Political Science as a Distinguished Alum in 2022.

Jessica’s next tour will be in China.

Tamala E. Miles

Special Agent in Charge

Atlanta Regional Office

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General https://youtu.be/iAi5Rg0iH30.

Jessica McTigue

Supervisory Special Agent

Diplomatic Security Service

U.S. Department of State President, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. Executive Committee

Special Agent Jessica McTigue’s 17-year career with the Diplomatic Security Service of the U.S. Department of State spans 15 countries across the globe. Her notable experiences include working in Baghdad during the transition of the U.S. presence in Iraq after the UN Multinational Forces Iraq mandate expired. She received a Department of State award for heroism while serving in Sana’a, Yemen during the civil war. She was knighted by the President of Chad for assisting Chad in building its counterterrorism capabilities following the first-ever terrorist suicide bombing in the capital. Jessica also served as a State Department fellow in the U.S. Senate where she ensured responsible provisions were included in several bills that became law.

Jessica led criminal investigations into passport and visa fraud to stem the flow of weapons, drugs, and human

Tamala E. Miles is currently the Special Agent-in-Charge (SAC) of the Atlanta Regional Office for HHS-OIG where she is responsible for operations throughout seven states: Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Tamala began her Federal Career with the U.S. Postal Service in 1988 and transitioned into law enforcement as a Postal Police Officer in 1995. In 2000, Tamala joined HHS-OIG as a Special Agent in the Philadelphia Regional Office where she worked investigating a wide variety of federal and state violations to include, allegations of health care fraud – including prescription fraud, identity theft, and drug diversion; internal government employee investigations; and contract and grant fraud – that resulted in numerous successful civil settlements and criminal convictions. In 2017, Tamala was promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC) in the Philadelphia Regional Office, Washington Field Office where she provided leadership and direction to Criminal Investigators/Special Agents and support staff throughout the Maryland and D.C. Field Offices. Tamala is currently a firearms instructor, UC instructor, member of the Peer Support Response Team, and the Diversity & Inclusion committee. Tamala continuously represents the department at speaking engagements, recruitment fairs, as well as serves as an adjunct training instructor at HHS-OIG National Training Operations Branch and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). During her career, Tamala has participated in, taught, and managed Undercover Operations for over 15 years. Tamala holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice from Coppin State University.