Celestine Thomas
Washington,DC
Summary
Dynamic Personnel and Security Specialist with over 15 years of experience supporting national security missions across esteemed organizations such as the FBI, TSA, Navy, and Department of Defense. Expertise in adjudications, investigations, suitability determinations, and risk management, with a proven track record of safeguarding classified programs and managing high-volume caseloads while ensuring compliance with federal security regulations. Recognized for strong analytical skills and effective communication abilities, fostering collaboration across diverse teams to achieve strategic objectives. Holds an active Top Secret Clearance and is prepared to excel in high-impact roles that demand meticulous risk assessment, background investigations, and adherence to stringent security protocols.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Personnel Security Specialist
System High Corporation
08.2021 - Current
- Provide full personnel security support within Special Access Program Facilities (SAPF).
- Process, review, and adjudicate hundreds of Program Access Requests (PARS) and SAP Nomination Process (SAPNP) questionnaires using JADE.
- Maintain personnel security data including clearance and SAP access status.
- Conduct site surveys and accreditation processes to ensure facility compliance.
- Partner with Authorizing Officials to uphold Navy and DOD security standards.
- Implement risk management strategies and coordinate security protocols with contractors and government facilities.
- Developed and implemented security clearance processes for personnel within sensitive areas.
- Analyzed security data to identify vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation strategies.
Personnel Security Specialist
Protection Security Strategies
12.2019 - 07.2021
- Adjudicated more than 100 Top Secret and sensitive position clearances, applying adjudicative criteria to ensure eligibility compliance.
- Assessed insider threat risks including espionage, fraud, and terrorism indicators.
- Managed JPAS database to maintain accurate records of security clearances and access.
- Reviewed and processed clearance and access requests for FBI personnel and contractors.
Personnel Security Specialist (Adjudications)
GEM Technology
10.2016 - 12.2019
- Applied Security Executive Agent Directives (SEAD) and adjudicative guidelines to determine clearance eligibility.
- Investigated and resolved complex cases involving foreign influence, criminal history, or financial issues.
- Conducted security checks in NCIC, CJIS, CIS, and FINCEN databases.
- Drafted case summaries and provided recommendations to leadership for eligibility determinations.
- Managed caseloads efficiently, ensuring timely processing of investigations.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to address potential security threats and incidents.
Personnel Security Specialist
Transportation Security Administration
03.2015 - 06.2016
- Conducted background investigations for TSA’s Threat Assessment Program.
- Reviewed and validated security documentation from multiple law enforcement and intelligence databases.
- Provided quality assurance on investigations and trained junior specialists on standards and procedures.
- Led proficiency testing to ensure adherence to TSA security requirements.
- Developed and implemented security clearance processes for personnel within sensitive areas.
Personnel Security Specialist
Visionary Integration Personnel
06.2009 - 03.2015
- Initiated, investigated, and adjudicated FBI background checks for personnel and contractors.
- Served as EQIP point of contact, assisting applicants with security questionnaire completion.
- Conducted analysis using FBI Indices, Clearwater, and IDW databases.
- Ensured timely completion of investigations in compliance with ODNI deadlines.
- Utilized Sentinel for efficient case management and reporting.
- Led cross-functional teams in addressing security risks and developing strategic solutions.
Personnel Security Specialist / Assistant
Keane Secure
09.2005 - 04.2009
- Provided personnel security support for FBI Police Unit operations.
- Conducted background investigations and reviewed security clearance requests.
- Managed documentation authorizing FBI police officers to carry firearms on aircraft.
- Organized and maintained secure information systems to track compliance.
- Served as a subject matter expert during internal audits or inspections relating to personnel security functions, ensuring full compliance with established standards.
- Collaborated with other security specialists to develop and execute comprehensive risk assessments, reducing potential threats to personnel safety.
- Streamlined office operations by effectively monitoring and addressing client correspondence and data communications.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
University of Maryland Global Campus
Hyattsville, MD01-2021
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ01-2013
Associate of Arts - Mass Communication
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ01-2010
Skills
- Personnel & Information Security Special Access Programs (SAP)
- Security Adjudications & Background Investigations
- Insider Threat & Risk Assessment Compliance with SEAD Guidelines
- Case Management Systems (JADE, JPAS, DCII, NCIC, Sentinel, Clearwater, Phoenix)
- Documentation & Report Writing Quality Assurance Training & Mentorship
- Detail-Oriented Analysis Effective Communication Team Collaboration
Training
- Security and Suitability Adjudicative Guidelines (SSAG), 2008, 2014, 2019
- Advanced Personnel Security & Suitability Adjudication
- Security Clearance Appeal Procedures
- CI/CT Risk Assessment | Security Intelligence & Threat Analysis
- Security Division Background Investigation & Adjudication Review
- Cyber Awareness Challenge | Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Training
Timeline
Personnel Security Specialist
System High Corporation
08.2021 - Current
Personnel Security Specialist
Protection Security Strategies
12.2019 - 07.2021
Personnel Security Specialist (Adjudications)
GEM Technology
10.2016 - 12.2019
Personnel Security Specialist
Transportation Security Administration
03.2015 - 06.2016
Personnel Security Specialist
Visionary Integration Personnel
06.2009 - 03.2015
Personnel Security Specialist / Assistant
Keane Secure
09.2005 - 04.2009
MBA - Business Administration
University of Maryland Global Campus
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Phoenix
Associate of Arts - Mass Communication
University of Phoenix
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