Douglas Gilmer, a seasoned law enforcement and human rights expert, has been appointed to the Advisory Board of the Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery within the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Gilmer announced the news on LinkedIn, expressing his enthusiasm for this new role and the opportunity to combat human trafficking in an industry where it remains a significant concern.
“Thank you, Dr. Jessica Wickey Byrd, for this honor and your confidence. I am excited to work with this amazing team of collaborators! The Rosen School is the nation’s leader in hospitality management. With so much human trafficking taking place within the hospitality and entertainment industry, it makes sense to have a leading research institute lead the effort to combat this crime within these industries. I am excited for what the future holds and for what we are going to accomplish,” Gilmer stated.
As a member of the advisory board, Gilmer will lend his expertise in law enforcement and human trafficking prevention to the center’s mission of addressing the exploitation that occurs within the hospitality and entertainment industries. The Rosen College of Hospitality Management, known as the nation’s top institution for hospitality studies, is taking a leading role in researching and combating human trafficking in these sectors, making Gilmer’s appointment particularly significant.
Gilmer brings over 35 years of experience in law enforcement, military service, and leadership to this new role. His career highlights include his tenure as a Senior Law Enforcement Liaison/Advisor at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), where he advised on strategic initiatives to counter human trafficking and defended human rights. He also held positions as Resident Special Agent in Charge and Assistant Special Agent in Charge at HSI, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to combating crimes of exploitation.
In addition to his law enforcement career, Gilmer spent 17 years serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, holding various leadership positions, including Reserve Command Master Chief for the Fifth District. He retired as Reserve Command Master Chief-E9 and brings a deep understanding of leadership, collaboration, and justice to his new advisory board position.
Gilmer’s appointment comes after his official retirement from Homeland Security Investigations on August 31, 2024. Throughout his distinguished career, he has been a key figure in building partnerships across academic institutions, government agencies, and the private sector to address human trafficking. His leadership and collaborative approach have made him a frequent speaker and facilitator on topics ranging from human rights to leadership and teamwork.