Kristen Best has taken on a new role at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the DHS Coordinator for Countering Crimes of Exploitation and Protecting Victims. Best announced her appointment on LinkedIn. This marks another chapter in her impressive career within DHS, where she has held various leadership positions dedicated to security and strategic policy.
Best’s previous role at DHS was as Principal Director. She also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary (Acting) for Countering Transnational Organized Crime (CTOC) within the Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans. In that capacity, she led efforts to combat illicit trade, travel, and finance, developing policies to counter the far-reaching impacts of transnational organized crime.
Her leadership experience extends to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), where she served in roles such as Chief of Staff for Operations Support and Assistant Federal Security Director for Screening at Portland International Airport (PDX). During her tenure at TSA, she contributed to enhancing operational effectiveness, workforce management, and passenger security. Best’s deep understanding of TSA’s mission was shaped by more than seven years with the agency, where she worked across multiple roles, including Senior Program Analyst.
In addition to her federal service, Best has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting women leaders in government. She serves as a Board Member and Membership Chair for Executive Women in Government, where she advocates for advancing women in leadership roles within the public sector.
Best’s academic background includes a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a focus on Emergency Management and Homeland Security from George Mason University, and a Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Consumer Economics with a minor in Japanese from the University of Delaware.