Julie Brewer assumed the role of Acting Under Secretary for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) on January 11, 2025. In her new position, Brewer leads the scientific, technical, and engineering core of expertise for DHS, advising the Homeland Security Secretary, DHS Components, and the nation’s first responders. The S&T Directorate plays a critical role in strengthening the nation’s security and resilience by identifying operational gaps, conceptualizing innovative solutions, and delivering results that address evolving homeland security challenges.
Before stepping into this role, Brewer served as Deputy Under Secretary for S&T, where she oversaw the $1 billion, 1,500-person directorate. Her leadership spanned key areas of science and technology development, with a focus on operationalizing research and delivering actionable solutions to protect the United States.
Brewer’s leadership experience within the S&T Directorate is extensive. As Executive Director of the Office of Innovation and Collaboration (OIC), she oversaw technology-based capabilities and solutions through a network of trusted partnerships, while managing tools and contracts that facilitated critical research and development (R&D) activities. From October 2018 to June 2021, she served as Director of the Office of National Laboratories (ONL), where she advanced DHS’s efforts in leveraging national laboratory resources to address homeland security needs. Additionally, she held the role of Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Chief of Staff for S&T from May to December 2021.
Her career began in the U.S. Air Force as a civil engineer, where she held various leadership roles, including Wing Executive Officer and deployment leader for operational setup in theater. Brewer’s career spans 27 years across the military, private sector, and civil service, giving her a unique breadth of expertise in engineering, leadership, and homeland security.
Brewer’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Engineering Management from Oklahoma State University. Her accomplishments have been recognized through prestigious honors such as the 2022 Meritorious Presidential Rank Award and the 2021 DHS Secretary’s Leadership Excellence Award.