Van P. Mance
Waldorf,MD
Summary
Seasoned Senior Federal Agent with over 25 years of experience investigating Criminal, Counterintelligence, and Counterterrorism matters. Skilled leader overseeing high-performance teams of special agents and intelligence analysts to combat U.S. adversaries effectively. Expertise in managing budget and resource allocations, collaborating with Senior Leaders to implement strategic policies at the Department of Defense and National Security levels. Distinguished graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, reserved for the top 1% of law enforcement leaders.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
OSI Senior Representative, GS-15
Office of Secretary of Defense (I&S)
03.2023 - 08.2025
- Supervised OSI’s Intelligence Community Policy Team; provided operational vision; created conduit for collaboration with intelligence partners; increased productivity to host units by 50%.
- Delivered strategic counsel on DoD Counterintelligence and Law Enforcement policies, focused on long-range national-level campaigns, led to 25% expedited policy turnaround and implementation.
- Led decision-making processes for highly innovative, national, and international programs; ensured senior leaders had imperative intelligence to advise the Secretary of Defense.
- Championed key legislative proposals through Department of Defense procedure, educating executive leaders; OSI’s first two primary legislations sponsored at the DoD level to Congress.
- Spearheaded Intelligence Community discussion as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) supporting Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency’s annual security conference; fortifying partnerships.
- Facilitated agency participation in bilateral Interagency Policy Committee meetings with National Security Council & White House representatives, deterred foreign influence on military talent.
- Senior Representative to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Intelligence and Security)/OUSD(I&S), Pentagon, VA
Deputy Director, GS-14, Washington Field Office
Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI)
03.2018 - 03.2023
- Directed squadron of over 85 special agents, analysts, and support personnel, establishing responsive work culture centered on results; eliminated 3-year case backlog in one year.
- Oversaw over 500 federal criminal and counterintelligence investigations at 5 separate units; accomplished 95% resolution rate, 221 prosecutions, and over million dollars in asset restitution.
- Developed strategic leadership seminar aimed at improving team’s business acumen; increased investigation on time rate from 35% to over command standard of 75% to 85%.
- Established partnership at senior leader level with federal agencies such as the FBI, Secret Service, and Homeland Security; facilitated seamless protection of personnel & resources.
- Managed the standup of two new investigative units; established mission standards, provided vision & guidance; both units became productive within weeks, tackling insider threat concerns, national security threats, and criminal activity.
Program Manager, Violent and General Crimes
Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI)
02.2016 - 03.2018
- Led major crimes and tradecraft branch, even at a 33% manning shortfall, was able to implement guidelines and policies responsive to 255 field units and management teams.
- Authored revisions to critical instructions, directives, and manuals for investigative techniques; combined several publications, eliminating confusion and ambiguity.
- Implemented cross-functional review of programs, conducted oversight assessment of over a thousand cases,
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
Special Agent
Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI)
03.2009 - 02.2016
- Directed and planned investigations and operations for 31 OSI field offices spanning the Midwest, East Coast, and European theater; mentored new unit leaders; improved agency efficiency.
- Established training programs in all facets of investigative and operational matters to include sexual assaults, death investigations, undercover operations, and human source handling; resulting in over 200 special agents better equipped to face challenges.
- Adjunct Instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center for OSI advanced course; taught surveillance & undercover techniques, led to over 150% increase in operational requests.
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Change management
- Policy analysis
- Relationship building
- Project management
- Effective negotiation
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
Clearances
Top Secret, Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), Active, 08/2025
Education
- Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43402, Master of Science, Criminal Justice, 2010
- University of Maryland, University College, Adelphi, MD, 20783, Bachelor of Science, Psychology, 2003
Awards
Senior Special Agent of the Year, 3, Wing Level
Professional Education
Air War College (AWC), Air University (2020)
Maxwell AFB (non-residence)
Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), Air University (2015)
Maxwell AFB (non-residence)
FBI National Academy (2016)
Law Enforcement Executive Leadership, Quantico, VA.
Timeline
OSI Senior Representative, GS-15
Office of Secretary of Defense (I&S)
03.2023 - 08.2025
Deputy Director, GS-14, Washington Field Office
Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI)
03.2018 - 03.2023
Program Manager, Violent and General Crimes
Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI)
02.2016 - 03.2018
Special Agent
Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI)
03.2009 - 02.2016
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