Crystal Epting has stepped into a new role as the Assistant Section Chief of the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Section at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), a move she announced on LinkedIn. With over 17 years of experience in intelligence collection, cybersecurity, and law enforcement tradecraft, Epting brings a deep expertise in national security operations, intelligence analysis, and strategic threat mitigation to her new position.
Epting has been a part of the FBI for more than 17 years, holding various roles that have shaped her leadership in intelligence and security operations. Before being named Assistant Section Chief, she served as a Unit Chief for nearly eight years, where she was responsible for setting intelligence collection and analysis priorities, advising on national security operations, and overseeing intelligence efforts in counterterrorism, cybersecurity, criminal, and counterintelligence investigations. Her work has been instrumental in mentoring and developing intelligence analysts, ensuring that the FBI remains at the forefront of security and intelligence efforts.
Prior to her time as Unit Chief, Epting worked as a Supervisory Intelligence Analyst, leading data exploitation efforts that included social media analysis, bulk data queries, captured media, and geospatial analysis. She collaborated with both domestic and international partners on criminal and terrorism-related investigations, contributing to significant arrests and national security operations.
Epting’s intelligence background extends back to 2008, when she first joined the FBI as an Intelligence Analyst. In that role, she worked on compiling, reviewing, and analyzing raw intelligence, drafting strategic intelligence products, and collaborating with U.S. Intelligence Community (USIC) partners and foreign governments to strengthen global intelligence-sharing efforts.
Epting holds a Master of Science in Technology Management & Homeland Security Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology from Fisk University.