Each year, Homeland Security Today honors shining stars in the community who are making their own unique, invaluable contributions to advance the mission of keeping America safer from myriad threats. Their strong commitment to mission touches every part of their work, from day-to-day operations to special projects and work in the community.
Allan M. Collier, Requirements Manager, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Air cargo screening is a critical pillar of aviation security, standing alongside checked and checkpoint baggage screening as well as passenger screening, demanding tailored requirements not only for the equipment but also for processes. This responsibility falls to private, TSA-certified cargo screening firms, which rely on precise regulatory guidelines. These requirements demand extensive expertise across the entire air cargo supply chain—a specialized knowledge area where TSA’s Requirements Manager, Allan Collier, has met, and exceeded mission for more than two decades.
Collier has dedicated his career to developing and refining air cargo screening requirements, collaborating closely with the Science & Technology (S&T) Directorate of DHS to ensure new screening systems align with TSA specifications. His contributions have fortified the security of the air cargo sector, allowing it to safely expand and adapt to a landscape marked by rising cargo volumes and evolving security threats.
Collier’s work is broad and intricate, spanning support for research and development, field testing, covert testing, data analysis, and enhanced training. In his collaborative work with entities like DHS, CBP, Secret Service, National Labs, and numerous TSA divisions, Collier has pioneered a risk-based approach to air cargo security that adapts to new threats and leverages emerging technologies. His quiet, consistent work behind the scenes has been essential in maintaining safety standards and shaping a future-proof approach to air cargo security.
Audrey Tucker, Program Manger, HR Academy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Audrey Tucker has made a transformative impact on the mission of addressing the Department of Homeland Security’s human resource needs through her leadership in the DHS HR Academy.
The HR Academy is a department-wide initiative that provides education, training, and career development to strengthen the skills and enhance the mission capability of DHS’s HR workforce. A priority under DHS’s Human Capital Operating Plan (HCOP), the HR Academy empowers current and future human capital professionals by equipping them with the tools needed to reach their career goals. Tucker’s efforts have directly supported the creation of a mission-focused, highly qualified, and resilient workforce, improving employee engagement and satisfaction among DHS HR professionals.
Since its inception in 2018, the HR Academy has had a measurable positive impact on the HR community within DHS. Under Tucker’s leadership, HR professionals have reported significantly higher satisfaction levels with their training, skills development, and career opportunities, as evidenced by Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) results. Since HR Academy’s launch, DHS HR employees have shown an 11% increase in satisfaction with available training, a 12% rise in satisfaction with skill development opportunities, a 9% increase in satisfaction with internal job opportunities, and a 12% improvement in recommending DHS as a workplace. This empowered workforce is more likely to continue growing within DHS, providing enhanced service and support to employees department-wide.
Tucker was also instrumental in developing and implementing HR Academy’s Centralized Training Program (CTP), a strategic initiative that reduced course vacancy rates from 8% to 0%, saving DHS nearly $35,000. Through bulk purchasing of high-quality training resources, Tucker achieved a 50% cost reduction for training programs. This successful program has not only increased training access for DHS’s HR workforce but also optimized resources, increased cross-departmental collaboration, and fostered a blended learning environment that supports cost-effective, centralized learning opportunities.
In a time of transition when HR Academy lost a critical contract, Tucker demonstrated remarkable adaptability by quickly reallocating resources to launch the DHS HR Leadership Program. This groundbreaking program consists of HR Rising Leaders and Strategic Leaders tracks, bringing together participants from multiple DHS organizations to cultivate the next generation of DHS HR leaders. Within one month, Tucker conducted a department-wide needs assessment, allocated program seats, drafted program guidelines, developed application materials, and communicated the opportunity to the DHS human capital community. Her efforts ensured that DHS HR professionals could access critical leadership development despite unforeseen challenges.
Audrey Tucker’s work has contributed significantly to DHS’s mission to maintain a capable and effective workforce by creating lasting improvements in the skills, satisfaction, and career growth of HR professionals.
Brad Hepburn, Coordinator, Maritime, Homeland Security Division, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, CA
Brad Hepburn is a dedicated leader in maritime security and logistics, serving as the Coordinator for CalOES Homeland Security – Maritime. In this role he is critical to safeguarding California’s maritime infrastructure. He achieves this mission through his strategic oversight and deep expertise that translates into a cohesive network of collaboration across state, local, and federal levels that is essential in protecting vital infrastructure and addressing emerging threats. Hepburn’s work ensures that California’s critical maritime resources are protected, while also preparing agencies to respond swiftly and effectively to any potential security challenges.
Beyond his role with CalOES, Hepburn is the commanding officer of the U.S. Army’s 201st Transportation Detachment, leading a team responsible for vital logistical and transportation operations based at Mare Island, CA. This role underscores his exceptional ability to handle dynamic logistical challenges, supporting critical military and homeland security operations.
Brad Hepburn’s significant contributions to state and national security showcase a career committed to mission and built on his dedication to excellence, collaborative security efforts, and unwavering service to his community and country.
Daniel Boyd, Identity Management Team, Transportation Security Administration
In his role on the TSA Identity Management team, Daniel Boyd wears many hats – he serves as a project manager, Contracting Officer Representative, industry liaison, and stakeholder manager for some of the Agency’s highest priority mission-focused initiatives. He is truly the ‘backbone’ of the IDM team, and drives the day-to-day tasks that make sure the enterprise is capturing the security & operational benefits of all identity-related technologies, including biometrics, mobile drivers licenses, digital identities, and more. Dan not only manages several of these high-priority projects, he also works tirelessly with industry, public, & private partners to coordinate contracting activities and technology demonstrations for next-generation technologies. He is the tip of the spear and lead coordinator for many of the Agency’s most public and high-impact mission projects, and all those who work with him both inside TSA and externally can attest to his dedication to the mission, collaborative approach, and one-team attitude.
As program manager for the TSA’s Innovation Task Force, Boyd provided project management expertise to a number of innovation lane projects and managed the work scope, budget formulation and execution; cost schedule, performance, and risk; acquisition; test and evaluation; program and project integration. He reviewed internal processes to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, transparency, and accountability.
His professionalism built credibility, established rapport, and maintained communication with stakeholders at multiple levels, including those external to the division.He also represented TSA as a technical point of contact on innovation lane projects, programs, and other work activities and regularly briefed internal and external audiences to secure understanding on or obtain consensus/approval of innovation strategy. For this work Boyd won the DHS Secretary’s award for Innovation in 2022.
Dan rarely takes credit for his achievements, and absolutely deserves recognition for his above-and-beyond commitment to his team, the Agency, and the safety of the traveling public.
David “DJ” Smith, Technical Surveillance Agent, Virginia State Police
DJ Smith is a seasoned Technical Surveillance Agent for the Virginia State Police, with nearly 30 years of experience in covert technical and tactical surveillance. His expertise spans multiple specialties, including GPS installations, video-audio clarification, Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM), Title III intercepts, mesh-node camera deployments, technical and tactical lock bypass, safe penetration for GSA locks and containers, cellular tracking and geolocation, covert audio and video deployments, and both sUAS and Counter-UAS operations.
In the area of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS, DJ is the program coordinator of statewide Unmanned Aerial and CUAS Systems for the Virginia State Police, a position through which he has driven significant advancements in the state’s aerial and counter-aerial capabilities. He also serves as the Deputy Director for the DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety UAS Alliance for Counter-UAS, representing a pivotal force in public safety drone operations. At the federal level, DJ contributes his expertise as a member of the Federal Aviation Administration’s CUAS Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) and has also provided insights on the Virginia Safe and Secure Commonwealth Sub-Panel, helping shape UAS and Counter-UAS legislation within the Commonwealth.
As a Subject Matter Expert (SME), DJ has collaborated with the DHS Office of Electronic Surveillance and the Law Enforcement Technology Board (SPAWARS Atlantic & SAVER program), offering his extensive technical knowledge on various surveillance technologies. His role as a stakeholder in the Mid-Atlantic UAS Partnership at Virginia Tech aligns him with groundbreaking efforts like Google Wing’s commercial drone delivery trials, while his contributions to the DHS Science and Technology Directorate First Responder Robotic Operational System Test (FFROST) program have focused on assessing and evaluating sUAS for public safety applications.
A licensed Part 107 pilot with over 13 years of drone flying experience, DJ Smith exemplifies mission, leadership and innovation in technical surveillance and UAS operations. His vast experience and dedication have positioned him as a highly respected figure in public safety and tactical surveillance, making him an invaluable asset to both the Virginia State Police and the broader security community.
Domestic Preparedness Support Initiative, Center for Homeland Defense and Security
For the mission of saving first responder’s lives, Professor Rodrigo Nieto Gomez and Nick Dew are the brains behind an innovative partnership between the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) Master’s students and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) technologists to co-design technologies that benefit those on the front-lines of homeland security.
The collaboration between DoD, the Center for Homeland Defense and Security’s Domestic Preparedness Support Initiative program taps the experience and expertise of CHDS Master’s Program students who are all senior-level homeland security enterprise officials to adapt national security, defense tools, and technologies for use by homeland security practitioners. The effort bridges crucial homeland defense gaps in a unique way by applying proven innovation techniques to homeland defense and security challenges.
Students work in teams as they engage in a multi-step process: interacting directly with DPSI and the technology experts, getting exposed to innovation literature, lean launchpad methodologies, and developing and evaluating technologies. The process produces a final report, concept of operations, and business plan. CHDS started with a pilot program in early 2022, renewing its focus on the homeland defense aspect of its historical mission. CHDS’ Domestic Preparedness Initiative is helping to transfer promising technology to first responders on a nationwide basis, truly living up to their tagline, “Good Government in Action.”
Edward Seebald, Founder and CEO, Seebald & Associates International
After retiring from the United States Coast Guard in 2003, Edward Seebald recognized an urgent need to modernize the security protocols for maritime facilities across the country. Leveraging a team of top experts in Maritime law, cybersecurity, compliance, training, and strategic facility defense, he founded Seebald & Associates to transform the standards of port security nationwide, fortifying our infrastructure against evolving threats.
His work includes a 360-degree methodology that enables his partners to proactively address and adapt to emerging threats, ensuring that America’s maritime security infrastructure remains resilient and agile. He has also cultivated a unique platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration through the annual Facility Security Officer (FSO) Symposium. This event brings together port security professionals from across the nation and around the world, offering direct access to regulatory leaders and industry pioneers who share best practices and future strategies. The FSO Symposium has become a crucial resource for fostering a cohesive network within the maritime security field, facilitating connections that empower rapid response and expanded resources in times of need.
Edwards Seebald’s dedication to the nation’s security is evident in his career—from his service in the Coast Guard to his ongoing commitment at Seebald & Associates. Through his work, Seebald has reinforced a robust security culture, building an invaluable network of resources and knowledge that keeps pace with the dynamic nature of today’s threats and contributes significantly to the maritime security mission.
Geoff Hale, Director, Election Security Initiative, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Geoff Hale has been a pivotal leader in safeguarding the integrity of U.S. elections and fortifying cybersecurity partnerships at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Since CISA’s election security mission began in 2016, Hale has played a central role in advancing the nation’s resilience to cyber, physical, and foreign influence threats, bringing his expertise and dedication to one of CISA’s highest-priority areas.
During the critical 2020 elections, Hale’s leadership was invaluable, earning him the 2021 CISA Gold Award for his efforts to protect election infrastructure and counter misinformation. Leading into the 2024 elections, he has remained at the forefront of election security efforts, engaging the public to raise awareness of CISA’s initiatives and continuously strengthening trust in the electoral process. Among his significant contributions, Hale created “Tabletop the Vote,” one of the largest national election security exercises, and helped establish the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center, which delivers tailored security guidance to thousands of election jurisdictions nationwide. In addition to these foundational efforts, he has been instrumental in defending against foreign influence operations and election disinformation, launching the widely recognized “Rumor vs. Reality” website to debunk common election-related misinformation.
As the leader of CISA’s Election Security Initiative at the National Risk Management Center, Hale has built a team focused on mitigating risks to election infrastructure from cyber, physical, and disinformation threats. His initiatives, including the #WarOnPineapple campaign and #RumorControl, have supported election transparency and protected the electoral process from misleading narratives. Under his leadership, CISA has partnered with stakeholders to better understand and address the unique risks faced by over 6,000 election jurisdictions, ensuring that CISA’s services add meaningful value to election security across the country.
Hale’s ability to foster collaboration, build trust, and advance CISA’s mission has made him an invaluable asset in the mission to secure, and maintain the integrity of, our nation’s elections.
Katie Thielmeyer, Risk Reduction Officer, Unmaned Aircraft Systems Manager, Woodlawn Fire Department
Katie Thielmeyer is a trailblazing leader in public safety and aviation, committed to the mission of reducing risk and enhancing capabilities within her community and beyond. Thielmeyer is the UAS manager of her hometown Woodlawn Fire Department, as well as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sUAS (small Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Test Coordinator. She plays a critical role in training public safety agencies across the country, equipping them with the skills needed to effectively and safely deploy drones in emergency situations. A skilled drone pilot herself, Katie spearheads local, regional, and national training programs, shaping the future of public safety through her expertise.
Katie’s impact extends to her role as co-chair of the Women DRONERESPONDERS Program, where she celebrates the achievements of women in aviation and actively promotes career opportunities for girls and women in the field. As an early adopter of drones in public safety, Katie pioneered the use of drones in her department, from building and deploying them to establishing a regional public safety drone team. Her innovative leadership and technical knowledge led her to create the first training curriculum aligned with the National Fire Protection Association’s 2400 Standard, a model that has set the bar for public safety drone programs.
Katie Thielmeyer’s career is marked by her unwavering commitment to innovation, education, and mentorship, solidifying her place as one of Homeland Security Today’s Mission awardees.
Kim Rae Valentine, Branch Chief, Mission Services, Systems Delivery Division
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Kim Rae Valentine has demonstrated exceptional leadership and transformed the customer experience on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) public-facing websites. Her unwavering commitment to providing timely access to critical information for individuals seeking immigration information and benefits has significantly advanced the agency’s mission and improved its ability to serve the public effectively.
As Mission Services Branch Chief within the Systems Delivery Division (SDD), Valentine is a proven leader who guides her team to meet the complex demands of evolving U.S. immigration policies and regulatory changes. Her balanced approach, combining empathy for users with the technical demands of complex systems, has led to user-centric website improvements that prioritize accessibility and functionality. Working closely with IT Program Managers and development teams, Valentine ensures mission alignment on objectives and key results, enhancing collaboration, transparency, and decision-making across development teams, business stakeholders, and USCIS leadership.
Valentine also champions fiscal responsibility, ensuring her teams are prudent stewards of government funds by maintaining a strong focus on quality and value. She has instituted processes that emphasize accountability and transparency, reflecting her commitment to public service and her deep understanding of technology’s critical role in advancing the USCIS mission.
Valentine’s leadership style fosters open communication, creative problem-solving, and an unwavering focus on quality and success. For instance, her team deployed the Ukrainian Parolee Refund Webform in under a week to meet a critical deadline in response to a lawsuit, allowing users to toggle between Ukrainian, English, and Russian. This form has processed over 15,000 submissions from parolees claiming refunds. Valentine also spearheaded a multi-year effort to refresh the USCIS and E-Verify.gov websites, achieving 100% compliance with the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS). By setting a new benchmark for quality, speed, and user-centered design, Valentine enables USCIS to fulfill its commitment to being a welcoming nation. Her exemplary leadership, innovative problem-solving, and dedication to enhancing the user experience position her as a vital asset to USCIS and its mission.
Learning Library Team, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The Learning Library Team, a cross-Department effort comprising members from the DHS Chief Learning Officers Council (CLOC), Learning, Education, Development and Strategy (LEADS), the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO), and the Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) demonstrated exemplary dedication to safeguarding the DHS workforce’s access to the Department’s only learning platform. This platform plays a critical role in supporting personalized learning experiences, allowing DHS employees to benchmark and enhance their skills through a comprehensive suite of resources, including self-paced online courses, hands-on practice, live virtual sessions, books, videos, and certification preparation. Many Components have customized learning paths within the platform, relying heavily on its resources to meet the evolving needs of the DHS workforce.
When the dissolution of the Working Capital Fund left the platform’s funding unsustainable, DHS Components quickly mobilized to find a solution. Working closely with the Management Directorate, the team collaborated with the Contracting Officer in OCPO to re-scope the contract, ultimately saving $1.8 million by reducing option year renewal costs while maintaining full service offerings. Despite these efforts, the funding gap persisted. In response, the Chief Learning Officers Council, LEADS, and OCHCO demonstrated outstanding teamwork and secured the additional $1.6 million required to fund the remaining option year.
In under two weeks, seven DHS Components came together to pool resources, ensuring the continuation of this vital learning platform. These contributing Components did so with the understanding that they were supporting both their own workforce development and that of Components unable to contribute financially. This collaborative effort reflects an unwavering commitment to championing the DHS workforce and highlights the team’s dedication to fostering a culture of learning and growth across the Department.
Michelle Zebrowski, Chief Data Officer, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Under Michelle Zebrowski’s leadership, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has achieved transformative milestones in data governance and cybersecurity, setting a new standard for data management across the agency. Among her most impactful contributions is the development and publication of CBP’s first Data Governance Directive. This Directive establishes clear standards, roles, and responsibilities for data management in alignment with federal and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mandates, formalizing the Chief Data Officer role and creating a robust data governance board. Zebrowski’s initiative has laid a cohesive foundation for all CBP data initiatives, ensuring they are strategically structured and aligned.
Zebrowski also led the development of a Data Governance Framework that emphasizes a consistent approach to data management across stakeholders, structured around six guiding principles. This framework enhances CBP’s ability to accurately define, analyze, and utilize its data, fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making agency-wide.
Her proactive approach enabled the creation of a detailed data inventory that now serves as the backbone for advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-sharing initiatives. Collaborating with over 20 offices and cataloging more than 800 datasets, Zebrowski developed comprehensive dashboards that offer in-depth insights into metadata and connect key stakeholders. Additionally, she has cataloged over 200 data-sharing agreements across CBP, developing a searchable dashboard that promotes transparency and facilitates effective data sharing across DHS components.
In cybersecurity, Zebrowski has championed the implementation of a zero-trust data framework, in line with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directive 22-09. Her efforts in tagging, categorizing, and securing CBP’s datasets have been essential in safeguarding sensitive information across the agency’s vast network.
In the realm of AI, Zebrowski founded a Data Analytics Center of Excellence to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing on AI and machine learning (ML) initiatives. Through her leadership, the Office of Information Technology developed an AI Strategy rooted in a solid governance framework, ensuring ethical and responsible use of AI. Her comprehensive inventory of AI use cases and her collaboration with the Chief AI Officer reflect her commitment to fostering innovation while enhancing CBP’s readiness for AI governance.
Terrance Dunford, Community Relations Officer, Buffalo Field Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Terrance Dunford’s impact within ICE ERO Buffalo is evident in his exceptional leadership, fostering strategic partnerships across law enforcement, stakeholder networks, and the community. Addressing complex challenges, such as those posed by New York State’s Green Light Law, Dunford has led efforts to mitigate impacts on ICE ERO and DHS, building critical alliances with NYPD and other DHS partners through collaborative briefings and intelligence sharing. His role in the Mutual Assistance Group (MAG) and involvement with the Canadian American Law Enforcement Organization (CALEO) has fortified local law enforcement relations, creating a platform for dialogue that strengthens community ties and security.
Dunford’s approach extends beyond law enforcement to proactive engagement with NGOs, ensuring alignment with ERO and OPLA initiatives through regular consultations and support. His “Terry’s List” database for emergency preparedness exemplifies his dedication to operational resilience, while his Northern Border Offices tour highlighted DHS’s regional needs. Dunford also enhanced ERO’s community visibility through National Night Out participation and a “ERO 101” presentation to New York’s Sheriff’s Association, underscoring ERO’s role in the state’s security framework.
His proactive, daily communication with senior leadership emphasizes his unwavering commitment to advancing ERO’s mission, often independently progressing key initiatives. Dunford’s talent for building partnerships and community ties sets him apart, making him an invaluable asset to ERO Buffalo and a benchmark for excellence in public service and outreach.
Raghavender (Raghu) Sriram, Branch Chief, Infrastructure & Shared Services, Transformation Delivery Division, Office of Information Technology, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Raghu Sriram is a transformational leader whose innovative management of critical infrastructure projects has significantly impacted the USCIS mission. His work streamlined immigration processing, protected sensitive information, enhanced data analytics, and facilitated inter-agency collaboration. Among his many achievements is the successful migration of the GLOBAL case management system to Amazon Web Services, which saves USCIS approximately $350,000 annually and improves application reliability.
Raghu is an exemplary Mission awardee because he fosters and experiments with new technologies in automation and generative AI to support the mission and enhance case processing, data-driven decision-making, and user experience. He has improved infrastructure resilience, ensuring 24/7 availability with over 99.6% system uptime, and implemented infrastructure upgrades to maintain security, compliance, and efficiency.
His strategic resource management led to over $1.15 million in annual savings in 2024. Raghu’s collaborative approach fosters strong stakeholder engagement and facilitates project support and implementation. His leadership has greatly enhanced USCIS’s efficiency, security, and cost-effectiveness, making him a highly respected figure within the agency.
Ross Bezark, Field Operations Branch Manager, Federal Air Marshal Service, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Ross Bezark, Field Operations Branch Manager for the Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) at the Department of Homeland Security, has devoted 22 years to advancing the efficiency and effectiveness of FAMS in their critical homeland security mission. With a focus on data analytics, strategic planning, and project implementation, Bezark has helped adapt the FAMS’s in-flight security mission to evolving security demands. Most recently, at the request of the Executive Assistant Administrator, he led a team to create a comprehensive strategy to track and analyze FAMS’s law enforcement activities in airports, providing insights that will shape future operational planning.
Bezark’s team developed interactive, near-real-time dashboards for airport operations, making data accessible both on desktop and mobile devices without additional funding or contractor support. These dashboards integrate a range of data categories, including Airport Security Operations Support and Incident Response, along with specific activities such as dignitary movements and human-trafficking responses. After successful pilot testing and briefings, the dashboards launched in May 2024, enabling use by FAMS Headquarters and 20 field offices. By mid-August 2024, the dashboards had logged over 30,000 activities and 100,000 hours of activity, all accurately tracked and quality-checked.
These dashboards have transformed FAMS’s resource allocation by enabling data-driven prioritization based on geographic and operational needs, aligning activities with risk-mitigation value and available resources. Bezark’s initiative has provided FAMS with a powerful tool for proactive, efficient airport security operations, ensuring that the agency can more effectively safeguard passengers and support broader homeland security objectives.
Trang Tran, Deputy Chief Data Officer, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Trang Tran is a dedicated and accomplished federal leader who has devoted over 25 years to the homeland security mission. Her expertise spanning project management, customer service, data management, and team development has catapulted her to advancements throughout here career. Her 15-year tenure with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been marked by impactful roles that enhance national security through innovation, collaboration, and trust. Initially serving as the Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Branch Chief for a decade, Tran implemented numerous energy-saving initiatives. In her current role as Deputy Chief Data Officer, she oversees data management, governance, and utilization across the CBP enterprise, transforming how CBP approaches data and intelligence.
One of Tran’s significant accomplishments is her leadership in developing CBP’s first data strategy, laying the groundwork for a more data-centric agency. This comprehensive strategy has greatly enhanced data governance and accessibility, improving the speed and accuracy of intelligence-sharing across CBP’s components, its partners, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In response to a DHS mandate under the OPEN Government Data Act, Tran launched the CBP-wide Data Inventory Program (DIP), an initiative aimed at cataloging all datasets across the Department. This extensive effort required collaboration with program offices, system owners, data managers, and other stakeholders, culminating in a consolidated CBP data catalog that ensures compliance and enhances data accessibility across the agency.
Tran also founded and leads the CBP-wide Data Working Group (DWG), a pivotal initiative that establishes open data standards and ensures compliance with federal regulations, including the Federal Data Strategy. This group has fostered essential collaboration across CBP’s complex structure, standardizing data practices and streamlining information-sharing processes that support mission-critical operations. She has also been instrumental in developing the agency’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Operations environment, where she champions the optimization of the entire AI lifecycle. Through the adoption of DevOps principles for Machine Learning (ML) models, she promotes collaboration between data scientists and operations teams, enhancing automation and scalability within CBP’s AI initiatives.
In 2022, Tran led the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Center of Innovation (AI COI), a center that has introduced advanced analytic capabilities that are reshaping CBP’s operational landscape. She leads a dedicated team of data scientists and engineers who work closely with mission offices to address specific challenges and test AI technologies for broader scalability. Through this center, Tran has forged partnerships between CBP and industry, providing access to innovative tools and solutions that support data enrichment, annotation, and scalable AI applications.
Tran’s work is setting a benchmark for excellence in mission, reshaping CBP’s approach to data and AI, and exemplifying what it means to advance Homeland Security in an era defined by innovation and complex data management.