Michael McMasters

I serve as the chief of protective security for CISA region 5. In this role, I execute the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's field mission, leading the 14 protective security advisors (PSAs) and two supervisory PSAs assigned to region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin). CISA leads the national effort to understand manage, and reduce risk to our cyber and physical infrastructure.

Previously, I served as the PSA for the Cincinnati and Cleveland districts, where I was responsible for providing physical security, cybersecurity, vulnerability assessment, threat mitigation, incident response, and other protective security services to CISA stakeholders across Ohio.

Before joining CISA, I was the commander-in-charge of the Cincinnati and Columbus field offices for the DHS Federal Protective Service, where I led 140 federal and contract officers. I received awards for my leadership, valor, academic success, public service and exemplifying the highest standards and core values of a federal law enforcement officer.

I also served as a program manager within the DHS Office of Intelligence & Analysis (I&A), where I was responsible for spearheading intelligence coordination and information sharing programs supporting state and local fusion centers nationwide, ultimately improving intelligence coordination and counterterrorism capabilities. I was selected by the I&A chief of staff to serve as the office's senior advisor to the government of Canada regarding intelligence and information sharing best practices.

During my service as a national preparedness program manager at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, I created and collaboratively implemented the nationally recognized Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series, a special initiative co-sponsored by the National Counterterrorism Center, DHS and the FBI. In addition, I served as deputy project manager on the interagency team responsible for supporting the government of Canada in preparation for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Prior to my DHS career, I worked as the emergency management director for Lexington County, South Carolina, directing the county's emergency management agency. I also served as regional emergency manager and state hazardous materials coordinator for the state of South Carolina's Emergency Management Division.

I am a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's Law Enforcement Leadership Program. I and my wife Ashley are the proud parents of Anna, Emmy and John. In my personal time, I enjoy traveling, music, officiating men's intercollegiate lacrosse, cheering on the Browns and attempting to golf.