Photography
Nicholas O'Connell
Hyattsville,MD
Summary
Supervisory Security Specialist with extensive experience in personnel security management and regulatory compliance within the Department of Homeland Security. Demonstrated success in policy development and process optimization, resulting in enhanced program efficiency. Expertise in data analysis and team leadership, driving strategic objectives while maintaining strict adherence to security standards. Proficient in risk assessment and emergency response management, with a proven ability to proactively resolve complex security challenges.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervisory Security Specialist (Branch Chief)
Department of Homeland Security - FPS
Washington, DC
09.2024 - Current
- Oversaw comprehensive personnel security program activities, including adjudications, security management, and HSPD-12/PIV compliance for approximately 16,000 armed contract guards, and approximately 2,000 federal law enforcement officers and mission support personnel.
- Served as the FPS Communication Security (COMSEC) Account Manager and Special Security Representative (SSR) for operational compliance and SCIF management (ICs, SEAD, etc.).
- Supervised a diverse staff of 29 federal employees and 43 contractors, implementing performance evaluations and engagement strategies.
- Utilized Tableau, Power BI, and Excel to develop reports and dashboards for monitoring program effectiveness.
Senior Personnel Security Specialist
Department of Homeland Security - FPS
Washington, DC
01.2020 - 12.2022
- Served as Subject Matter Expert for Personnel Security Program, promoting Reciprocity and Continuous Evaluation for Trusted Workforce 1.25, 1.5, and 2.0 implementation.
- Provided technical assistance and training to FPS Personnel Security Division through webinars and teleconferences.
- Developed FPS PSD Stakeholder Newsletter with automated features for enhanced communication with CORs and COs.
- Created and launched an internal SharePoint page, creating sub-pages for news and document repositories.
Supervisory Personnel Security Specialist
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, DC
05.2018 - 01.2020
- Reviewed background investigation reports using OPM adjudicative standards for compliance with 5 CFR 731, including resolving suitability and fitness concerns through direct applicant communication.
- Supervised personnel, processed credential applications, and provided leadership to support staff.
- Oversaw pre-enrollment processes, ensuring accuracy of investigative data and biometric information.
Program Supervisor
PAE
Washington, DC
12.2015 - 04.2018
- Delivered training on FPS policies, DHS directives, and adjudicative guidelines to regional offices nationwide.
- Administered ISMS, managing account creation, role assignments, and report server access.
- Presented briefings to government upper management, evaluating program status and recommending improvements.
- Supervised Personnel Security Specialists, providing guidance on adjudicative recommendations under 5 CFR 731.
Security Operations Supervisor
Presidential Helicopter Squadron, United States Marine Corps
Quantico, VA
06.2010 - 06.2015
- Implemented policies and procedures for Military Police to secure Presidential assets and facilities.
- Recommended changes to enhance efficiency while maintaining strict security standards.
- Digitalized scheduling and tracking processes, significantly reducing task execution time.
- Oversaw operations for over 200 Marines across two fixed sites and 159 mission locations.
- Compiled weekly intelligence briefings from diverse sources for upper management distribution.
- Monitored social media platforms to safeguard operational security of movements and tactics.
- Coordinated missions with state, local, and federal agencies for the White House Military Office.
- Managed 504 weapons and 5,200 rounds of ammunition valued at 1.5 million dollars in a dynamic environment.
Education
Some college (no degree) - Business Administration
Northern Virginia Community College
Alexandria, VA, United StatesSome college (no degree) - Computer Science
Nassau Community College
Garden City, NY, United States11.2009
Some college (no degree) - Biology
Siena College
Albany, NY, United States05.2008
High school diploma or equivalent -
Long Island Lutheran HS
Glen Head, NY, United States05.2007
Skills
- Personnel security and clearance management
- Regulatory compliance
- Data analysis and risk assessment
- Policy writing and process improvement
- Incident response strategies
- Effective communication skills
- Project management and team leadership
- SCIF accreditation, management, and oversight
Timeline
Supervisory Security Specialist (Branch Chief)
Department of Homeland Security - FPS
09.2024 - Current
Senior Personnel Security Specialist
Department of Homeland Security - FPS
01.2020 - 12.2022
Supervisory Personnel Security Specialist
Smithsonian Institution
05.2018 - 01.2020
Program Supervisor
PAE
12.2015 - 04.2018
Security Operations Supervisor
Presidential Helicopter Squadron, United States Marine Corps
06.2010 - 06.2015
Some college (no degree) - Business Administration
Northern Virginia Community College
Some college (no degree) - Computer Science
Nassau Community College
Some college (no degree) - Biology
Siena College
High school diploma or equivalent -
Long Island Lutheran HS
References
Michael Radford
- Division Director, Personnel Security Division, CBP
VanNessa Howard
- Lead Personnel Security Specialist, Smithsonian Institution
Anne Cassidy
- (Former) Personnel Security Chief, Smithsonian Institution
Theresa Bonaduce
- Management and Program Analyst, CBP
Please reach out for their contact information.
Job Related Training
- Military Police Training, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, 03/2011
- Fundamental for Federal Supervising, 12/2018
- Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR 1) - Purchase Orders, 02/2019
- Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR 2) - Contracts, 02/2019
- Fundamentals of Suitability for Suitability and Fitness Adjudicators, OPM, 09/2020
- Special Security Officers Course, NCSC, 10/2022
- COMSEC Manager Course, DHS COR, 1/2023
- Information Systems Security Officer Compliance Oversight Program, I&A CIO, 6/2023
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteRemoteHybridInterests
Off-roading
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