Lantern Rescue Foundation has named Cardell Morant, a former Homeland Security Investigations special agent and senior federal executive, as its new chief executive officer, bringing more than three decades of law enforcement and national security experience to the role.
Morant spent more than 19 years with Homeland Security Investigations, rising through the ranks to Special Agent in Charge and ultimately into the Senior Executive Service. Over the course of his career, he led complex investigations targeting transnational criminal organizations involved in human trafficking, child exploitation, narcotics smuggling, financial crimes, and cyber-enabled offenses.
Most recently, Morant served as Special Agent in Charge of HSI operations in the Carolinas, overseeing nearly 200 personnel across multiple offices. In that role, he was responsible for operational planning, resource management, and coordination with domestic and international partners on high-impact investigations.
Before that, Morant held senior leadership roles in San Diego and Washington, D.C., including serving as the first appointed Director of the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking.
His background also includes directing HSI’s Cyber Crimes Center, managing national cybercrime portfolios, and overseeing large investigative teams operating across ports of entry and border regions. Across those assignments, Morant was responsible not only for enforcement outcomes but also for compliance, workforce development, and collaboration with prosecutors and partner agencies.
As Lantern Rescue continues to expand its global impact, Cardell’s experience, integrity, and commitment to justice strengthen its mission. “I’m thrilled to join Lantern,” he shared. “I eagerly anticipate contributing to the Foundation’s mission and its profoundly impactful work in the counter-trafficking space.”
A U.S. Marine Corps Reserve veteran, Morant began his federal career with the U.S. Customs Service in the 1990s before transitioning into investigative roles that would later become part of HSI. His career has consistently focused on countering exploitation, strengthening operational coordination, and leading organizations in high-risk environments.
(AI was used in part to facilitate this article.)