REBECCA L. MICHALEK
Woodbridge
Summary
Experienced professional prepared for leadership role. Proven track record in strategic planning, project management, and operational efficiency. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Dependable, adaptable, and skilled in communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. Active TS/SCI clearance.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Staff
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Human Rescources
06.2025 - Current
- Guides a high-performing team through strategic shifts, embedding a culture of mentorship, collaboration, and accountability in a fast-paced, high-security environment.
- Lead strategic initiatives to enhance organizational efficiency and streamline communication across departments.
- Develops and implements key performance indicators to assess operational effectiveness and drive accountability.
Special Assistant to the Director
DHS, CISA
07.2023 - 06.2025
- Served as principal advisor to the Director of CISA, providing high-level strategic counsel on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies and initiatives with national security implications.
- Directed agency-wide transition strategy, aligning cybersecurity operations with new organizational goals while preserving mission-critical continuity.
- Represented the Director in interagency working groups focused on Administration and Department of Defense (DoD) priorities, driving collaboration to enhance whole-of-government cybersecurity posture.
- Spearheaded operational transitions in the Front Office, improving workflow efficiency and implementing executive-level decision support systems to advance the Director's mission.
Special Assistant
Department of the Navy (DoN), Assistant Secretary of the Navy (ASN), Research Development & Acquisition (RDA)
12.2020 - 07.2023
- Managed the Assistant Secretary's executive schedule and facilitated engagement with senior leadership across the Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Congressional offices.
- Represented ASN RDA at senior-level meetings, ensuring timely and accurate communication of key initiatives, policy decisions, and strategic priorities.
- Provided analytical and policy support on complex issues, delivering data-driven insights and actionable recommendations directly to senior leadership.
- Authored and reviewed high-visibility correspondence and briefing materials submitted to SECNAV, CNO, and Congressional stakeholders, ensuring precision and clarity.
Program Analyst
DoN, Program Executive Office, COLUMBIA
07.2019 - 12.2020
- Supported senior leadership, including the Program Executive Officer and Executive Director, by coordinating strategic meetings with DoD stakeholders, industry partners, and Congressional leaders.
- Served as the principal liaison for all military personnel matters, providing end-to-end administrative and operational support to over 75 service members.
- Developed and implemented organizational policies and procedures, contributing to acquisition program alignment and compliance with NAVSEA requirements.
Executive Assistant
DoN, Program Executive Office, Unmanned and Small Combatants
07.2016 - 07.2019
- Managed executive calendars for Flag Officers and SES leaders, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and engagement with key defense stakeholders.
- Facilitated coordination across the Department of Defense, Navy Field Activities, and Congressional liaisons to address complex programmatic and technical issues.
- Oversaw high-visibility tasking and correspondence from internal and external stakeholders, providing policy guidance and producing data-backed executive briefs.
Executive Assistant
DoN, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Expeditionary Logistics Management
05.2015 - 07.2016
- Provided executive-level administrative support to SES and GS-15 staff, ensuring optimal scheduling, communication, and document management.
- Coordinated internal and external taskings via TMT and other digital systems, ensuring timely responses to DoD, Congressional, and Navy inquiries.
- Briefed senior leadership on critical actions and updates, ensuring situational awareness and continuity of operations.
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Counselor
United States Air Force
07.2006 - 04.2015
- Provided direct care and counseling services to active-duty service members and their families, managing mental health operations across multiple bases including Vandenberg AFB, Lajes Field, and Luke AFB.
- Supervised enlisted personnel and clinic operations, delivering administrative and clinical support to providers and supporting over 6,800 beneficiaries—saving the Air Force $164K in off-base services.
- Delivered substance abuse education, individual and group therapy, and crisis intervention, while coordinating with command leadership to ensure mission readiness and comprehensive support services.
- Led emergency management and disaster response efforts as a Traumatic Stress Response team member, and participated in readiness skill training for deployed environments.
Education
Associates degree - Mental Health Services
Community College of the Air Force
Maxwell AFB, ALSkills
- Influencing skills
- Meeting facilitation
- Collaborative mindset
- Ethical leadership
- Workforce planning
- Critical thinking
Timeline
Chief of Staff
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Human Rescources
06.2025 - Current
Special Assistant to the Director
DHS, CISA
07.2023 - 06.2025
Special Assistant
Department of the Navy (DoN), Assistant Secretary of the Navy (ASN), Research Development & Acquisition (RDA)
12.2020 - 07.2023
Program Analyst
DoN, Program Executive Office, COLUMBIA
07.2019 - 12.2020
Executive Assistant
DoN, Program Executive Office, Unmanned and Small Combatants
07.2016 - 07.2019
Executive Assistant
DoN, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Expeditionary Logistics Management
05.2015 - 07.2016
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Counselor
United States Air Force
07.2006 - 04.2015
Associates degree - Mental Health Services
Community College of the Air Force
Awards
Department of the Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal (2023), Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Medal (2019), Air Force Space Command, Mental Health Airman of the Year (2012), Medical Group, Airman of the Year (2012), Commandant Award for Superior Leadership (2012), Air Force Achievement Medal for Meritorious Service (2010, 2011), Medical Operations Squadron, Airman of the Year (2009)
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