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Hi, I’m
Victoria Defreitas
Camden,NC
Summary
Supervisory Customs and Border Protection Officer with more than 40+ years of experience with counterterrorism, counterintelligence, law enforcement and canines, while serving the agency with pride and professionalism. I am looking to leverage my National Security and Investigative training and experience to expand and improve our nation’s intelligence and law enforcement workforce upon retirement in December 2025, while supporting a mission of national security. I am looking forward to a second career as a Background Investigator in support of our country. I am in a unique position to work cases not only local to North Carolina, but the entire Hampton Roads area (including Virginia Beach area) and the National Capital Region, including parts of eastern Pennsylvania, Harpers Ferry/Shepherdstown/Charleston area of West Virginia.
Professional program analyst who excels in delivering actionable insights and driving process improvements. Known for collaborative teamwork and achieving impactful results in dynamic environments. Expertise in data analysis, problem-solving, and program evaluation.
Overview
30
years of professional experience
3
Certification
Work History
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Management and Program Analyst, GS-0343-14 (First Line)
11.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Program Manager overseeing: Office of Field Operations (OFO), Veterans Support Program, K9 Support Team Program (Agency-wide)
- Program created and directives and policy in place, including a 5-week handler/K9 program, all within 6 months.
- Currently 14 teams travel internationally providing support to US employees stationed OCONUS and
- Chaplain with specialized training in victim/witness interviews with specially training K9 engagement, including support to out of country US government agents.
- K9 assist for court testimony with testifying victims/witnesses (sex and human trafficking)-over 50 support events in 3 years and over 70 interviews completed with K9.
- Master Resilience Instructor for OFO, including instructional design, delivery, and course creation
- Suicide Prevention Trainer for CBP, including instructional design and delivery, to internal and external stakeholders
- CISM/TIER/K9ST member for response for emergency threats/incidents, loss of life, natural disasters
- Survivor Support Team Member for National Police Week
National Targeting Center (NTC)-Operational Support Division
Branch Chief, GS-0340-14 (First Line)
02.2022 - 11.2022
Job overview
- Current Branch Chief over the newly formed Policy and Analysis Branch
- Synchronized a team of six to: Coordinate travel from need and budget resources to final voucher, including XD/DXD approval.
- Establish, execute, and manage the FY22 Spend Plan
- Establish the FY23 Spend Plan
- Establish weekly travel meetings/updates and trainings for the NTC Enterprise
- Oversee NTC Purchase Cardholders (PC), establish and execute PC budget and use of funds guidelines internally.
- Establish In-Kind Funding internal process
- Oversee NTC CORs, contract management, and SDRs
- Spearhead new management and inventory practices for purchasing supplies for the enterprise, including equipment.
- Oversight of On-the-Spot and End-of-Year awards, which includes multi-faceted coordination from outside components, budget determination, and BOT file creation and execution.
- Fleet Program oversight, including monthly reports, budgeting, repairs, and OFO Budget
- Establish multiple internal NTC Enterprise directives and SOPs in regards to travel, local and business voucher reimbursement, and purchase card use.
- Mentor participant in OFO and CBP-Wide mentoring programs, including international agencies
- NTC Enterprise Lead Chaplain
- Master Resilience Instructor of multiple classes for over 900 NTC personnel, CBP Headquarters executive/senior leadership and Dulles International Airport Personnel
National Targeting Center (NTC)-Headquarters/Counterterrorism Division
Director, GS-1895-15 (Third Line)
11.2019 - 02.2022
Job overview
- Director of the Counterterrorism Division (CTD) under the National Targeting Center (NTC), overseeing a team of twenty and fostering in a results-oriented environment.
- Responsible for program management and oversight of over 1,000 officers and agents who are members of the Tactical Terrorism Response Teams (TTRT), the Counterintelligence Task Force (CITF), and the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).
- Oversee, coordinate and participate in counterterrorism/counterintelligence interviews and investigations in partnership and support of the FBI.
- Multiple U.S. and international data research, including deep dives for information and identification of funding/planning and communication schemes.
- Formulation, advisement and execution of Agency policy and guidance regarding CT and CI response, documentation, and whole of government response for internal and external coordination (CISA/NSA and others) for information sharing for frontline officers and agents.
- Participated in a DHS Under Secretary multi-agency working group charged with the development of national policy and execution governing the U.S. response to China’s military civil fusion strategy and great powers competition.
- Supported OAW by acting as the CBP HQ Director, facilitating multiple TTRT and JTTF national and international deployments, and senior leadership notifications. This also included metrics captured from a wide audience and site visits to verify processes and procedures and executed on-the-spot adjustments to improve CBP’s national security posture.
- Created a sustained partnership with CBP’s Operational Field-Testing Division, as well as strategized, and executed, multiple scenarios, including sustainable metrics, to determine agency efficiency.
- Created and delivered multiple program and event-specific briefings for senior leadership of multiple agencies, including Congressional and Senate committees, and foreign partners.
- Created a sustained partnership with CBP’s Internal Affairs and Office of Personal Responsibility to develop and deliver updated policy and guidelines on how to prevent classified information spills.
- Frequent support to CBP’s Office of Chief Counsel (OCC), Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) and the Office of Privacy and Diversity (PDO) by providing subject matter expertise, requested documents, and briefings regarding complaints and litigation filed against CBP and DHS.
- Participant in the OFO and CBP-Wide mentoring programs
- NTC Enterprise Lead Chaplain
National Targeting Center (NTC)-Headquarters/Operational Support Division
Assistant Director, GS-1895-14 (Second Line)
10.2018 - 10.2019
Job overview
- NTC Enterprise coordination and execution:
- NTC Enterprise-level metrics for multiple locations and focus, including domestic and foreign assignments.
- NTC Sterling Facilities, including but not limited to vehicle program, maintenance, contract/warranty work and lease; insure policy compliance with government vehicle usage.
- Policy oversight with FPS and relevant stakeholders for NTC Sterling building security, including coordination for high level/VIP visits.
- Field Programs, including Use of Force, FACTS inventory and metrics;
- Oversight of Explorer, Honor Guard and Rifle Team, including allocation of operational resources and local outreach programs.
- Negotiation and oversight with all NTC stakeholders for budget formulation and execution (over $300 million); insure execution aligns with the Agency’s goals, vision and mission.
- Travel review and fund certification, including justifications for domestic and foreign travel/engagements; insure policy compliance for travel.
- Field Technology Officers-responsible for technology issuance and solutions, including hardware refresh and upgrades, software and inventory. Created a team lead process to enhance turn-around time and coordination with OFO facilities when necessary.
- Responsible for the Semi-annual Inventory and Local Property Officers
- Created team lead concept and use of a shared database to enhance efficiency over multiple locations, resulting in completion more than 3 weeks before the deadline.
- Purchase Card Program-approval and justifications of purchases that serve all NTC needs.
- Oversight of NTC Human Resources/Human Capital-including announcements, selections, vetting and placement for a table of organization encompassing more than 800 positions.
- Engagement and coordination with Labor and Employee Relations for employee issues.
- Review and processing of awards for non-bargaining employees
- Developed bi-weekly classified and FOUO briefings, that are delivered CBP- and DHS-wide to all levels of leadership and employees engaged in thwarting CT and CI threats. This includes the identification of trends, tactics and techniques.
- Rejuvenated an international partnership with multiple foreign governments to facilitate information and program sharing. This includes Canada, Australia, United Kingdom and Israel.
- Created an ongoing relationship with CBP’s APTL Division, which led to the development of the Ag-Bio position description, with multiple positions currently filled. This includes NTEU negotiations to have this position not included in the Bargaining Unit.
- Oversaw the development of the Counterintelligence Task Force positions and their integration into FBI CI units.
- Oversaw the development of a new National Security Directive to guide the Agency in securing our national security our national security posture.
- Multiple agreements negotiated to support national security training delivery, without cost, to CBP officers and agents.
- Participant in the OFO and CBP-Wide mentoring programs
- NTC Enterprise Lead Chaplain
Customs and Border Protection
Branch Chief, GS-1895-14 (Second Line)
04.2018 - 10.2018
Job overview
- Responsible for oversight of NTC’s Field Programs Division and all involved employees.
- This includes direct oversight of NTC’s Use of Force Division
- The Unit consists of 1 mission support person and 7 permanent, dual-certified, Use of Force Instructors.
- Responsible for ensuring the quarterly qualification of 600+ personnel in firearm proficiency and less-than-lethal tactics, including advance weapons systems.
- In order to increase Agency efficiency and share resources, create a partnership with Air and Marine Operations and Border Patrol to share and cross train with specialized instructors.
- Responsible for the procurement of ammunition for our division and two outside entities within Customs and Border Protection.
- Responsible for the design, procurement, construction and placement of a 20’x20’ ARMAG ($500,000 project) at our Range location.
- Responsible/accountable for all Use of Force inventory, including accompanying equipment (i.e. Body Armor, Collapsible Straight Baton, weapon systems).
- Successfully completed a DHS Management Assurance Review (MARS) for all inventory and program metrics.
- Responsible/accountable for weapon removal under CBP policy for various reasons.
- Regular and reoccurring guidance to CBP’s Labor Employee Relations in relation to Use of Force Policy and Officer Safety.
- Uniform Coordinator for all NTC, including new employees and transfers.
- Responsible for the operation of an onsite mat room for specialized training, including compliance and adherence to safety practices and OSHA guidelines.
- Responsible for the operation of an onsite 2,000 square foot Fitness Center, including legal liability and maintenance.
- Responsible for NTC’s Personal Appearance Standards, including special accommodations.
- Oversight of NTC’s Honor Guard cadre, including policy and event coordination with the National Commander.
- Oversight of the National Capital Region CBP Explorer cadre, including policy and event coordination
- Since April 2018:
- I have increased OSHA compliance to 100% while decreasing our reported injury rate by over 127%
- Reduced overtime spending by 63%
- Oversight of an annual $750,000 budget for Use of Force
Customs and Border Protection
Branch Chief, GS-1895-14 (Second Line)
02.2015 - 10.2018
Job overview
- In February 2015 I was assigned to NTC-HQ, tasked with creating and formalizing the Counterterrorism Division.
- Created a business plan, budget formulation and execution, and mission statement to secure Agency and Congressional approval to formally stand up a new division.
- Identified the need for CBP to improve its counterterrorism (CT) posture and redesigned the current CT training and delivery program as well as outdated directive.
- Formed the Tactical Terrorism Response Team (TTRT) program with members selected to support the CT mission full-time, in non-bargaining positions with TS/SCI clearance to obtain operational information
- Designed a new CT training program, which includes participation by internal and external subject matter experts and other government agency stakeholders.
- Established program metrics to measure curriculum success and adjust as needed to continue to meet CBP’s counter terrorism posture.
- As of March 2017, integrated Border Patrol agents into the program and training (more than 300 trained).
- Participated as the program’s lead instructor from FY 15 through FY 18, with participation of over 2000 officers/agents/managers.
- Recognized the need to update the CT training module provided to basic OFO students at FLETC.
- Contacted the business owner and created/participated in an agency workgroup to rewrite the CT training module with current/relevant information.
- Assisted in curriculum re-approval to maintain accreditation
- Updated counter terrorism curriculum is now being delivered to all basic training students.
- Identified the opportunity for CBP’s CT response to be integrated into our international footprint and push out our borders.
- TTRT is now located in over 25 Preclearance and Immigration Advisory Program locations.
- Created and utilized various feedback models, identifying the need for better interview and elicitation skills for TTRT members
- Partnered with the Office of Intelligence-Training Division and identified the appropriate course, Enhanced Communications (ECC), and delivery method.
- Modified Enabling/Terminal and Performance Objectives to meet operational needs.
- Secured endorsement from CBP executive management and ECC is now the mandated course (under the NTP) for all TTRT members with a minimum of 16 seats (of 24 total) in each class.
- Development and delivery of a portable counterterrorism training course, with the audience including officers and intelligence specialists, who are assigned primary line duties and research, working in the live environment.
- Identified the need for middle-eastern and Muslim cultural diversity training for not only TTRT members, but all CBP officers.
- Identified an internationally recognized subject matter expert employed with Transportation Security Agency (TSA), and facilitated his transfer to NTC’s Counterterrorism Division.
- Branded and facilitated his travel to multiple CBP Field Offices to deliver the training to all CBP Officers (over 4,000 officers have received this to date).
- Authored and developed numerous issue papers on various topics. This includes, but is not limited to, policy, critical incidents and future business plans, and on unclassified and classified systems.
- Responsible for analyzing tactics, techniques and trends in terrorist attacks and briefing senior management as well as all TTRT members.
- Manage division budget and allocations, as well as fund-certified all travel, of over $1 million annually.
- Annually completed multi-year budget projections and ensured Division alignment with FY2020 vision.
- Annually completed a comparative analysis of TTRT successes against training to determine gaps and adjust field training needs.
- Serve as a Subject Matter Expert for federal travel regulations and the Concur system.
- Liaison to the Operations Field Readiness Team
- Develop analytics/scenarios to determine need and effectiveness
- Create/remove system records as needed for role players
- Creation of a working group of program managers and contractors to backstop and control outside agency contact for scenarios
- Participate in Field Office and Port de-briefing post scenarios
Leadership Development Center-Advanced Training Center
Supervisory Instructor, GS-1895-14 (Second Line)
10.2017 - 03.2018
Job overview
- Since October 2017 I have been a member of the instructor cadre of the Leadership Development Center. To date I have participated in the development of over 100 of CBP’s leaders.
- Updated the agency-specific curriculum to align with CBP’s Leadership Institute program and Senior Executive Service executive core qualifications
- Review of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) curriculum and submitted changes commensurate with CBP’s Leadership Development
- Frequently brief senior executive leaders on current topics and program developments
Customs and Border Protection
Program Manager and Watch Commander, GS-1895 13/14
01.2013 - 02.2015
Job overview
- Starting January 2013, I reported to the National Targeting Center, Passenger Operations (NTC-P). After the initial training period, I rotated through all the positions, including team leads, for the various hotlists.
- Member of the initial ESTA, Visa, PATRIOT (Pre-Adjudicated Threat Recognition Intelligence Operations Team) development group and team.
- Analyzed applications for travel documents for fraud, connections to terrorism and transnational criminal organizations, including human smuggling and sex trafficking.
- Partner with multiple government agencies and foreign partners for information sharing and criminal/fraud disruption.
- Team Lead and trainer for the visa and ESTA teams for new members/employees
- Provided weekly statistical review and program metrics
- Awarded a Commissioner’s Unit Citation for the PATRIOT program accomplishments
- Briefed senior executive government leaders and foreign dignitaries on current programs and metrics, as well as technical advances and integrations.
- Certified by DHS as a watchlist nominator
Customs and Border Protection
CBP Officer and Supervisor (GS-1895-5 through 13)
07.2005 - 01.2013
Job overview
- In July 2005 I began my CBP career at the Detroit land border. After initial basic training, I was immersed in an environment that included passenger, air, boat, rail and cargo.
- Participated in multiple temporary assignments, local and national, focusing on enforcement operations
- Multiple awards and recognition for operational seizures, including narcotics and currency as well as the identification of a sex trafficker and juvenile victim and a money laundering network.
- Participated in the Self-Inspection process at multiple levels
- Served as a Field Training Officer and successfully trained 12 employees
- Worked as Counterterrorism Response officer
- Identified deficiencies in the completion and reporting of CMIRs (mandated currency reporting) of travelers
- Wrote and implemented a new Port-level directive and SOP
- Wrote and delivered a training program to all port officers
- Represented the program through two Management Inspection Division audits
- Created monthly and annual metrics to measure compliance and accuracy
- Temporarily assigned to the Port Office in support of redesign and accountability of the Port’s scheduling and overtime assignment programs.
- Served in this temporary assignment for 2.5 years, restructuring the training and policy division to meet current port and Agency training needs and requirements
- Became the port subject matter expert for internal and external travel programs, as well as approver for multiple funding accounts
- Created and implemented a new tracking program for submissions for training and TDY opportunities, including NTEU negotiation and consensus and the development of a local bargaining agreement.
- Worked as a member of the national Mobile Response Team (MRT) with CONUS deployments in support of surge enforcement operations.
- Managed division and port budget allocations in alignment with Field Office and Agency constraints.
- Briefed Port and Field Office senior officials on current programs, metrics and incentives.
St. John Health System
Criminal Investigator/Security Police Officer
12.2002 - 07.2005
Job overview
- Responsible for employee and patient safety
- Successfully identified an employee-run theft ring of hospital property
- Successfully identified physician prescription misconduct
Portsmouth Police Department
Police Officer
01.2000 - 12.2002
Job overview
- Collaterals/Certifications: Field Training Officer
- Guest Instructor-Hampton Roads Regional Criminal Justice Academy
- Forensics Officer and Crime Scene Processing
- Juvenile Victim/Witness specialist including children, and support during SANE exams
- Community Liaison Officer
- Reid Interrogation Instructor
Education
CBP Field Operations Accredited Chaplain AcademyArtesia, NM
Chaplain Certification from Theology/Chaplain
08-2018
University Overview
- Professional Development: Domestic Violence Recognition/Treatment/Behavior
- Professional Development: Prep 8 Instructor and Certified-Building Strong Bonds and Communication, Focused on couples and families
- Professional Development: Suicide and Suicideology-Recognition/Prevention/Treatment
- Professional Development: Instructor and Certifier for multiple AKC disciplines, including Therapy and Service Dog and Placement Guidelines
- Professional Development: Instructor of the Reid Interrogation Technique
- Professional Development: How to listen and speak with minors/trauma recognition
Skills
- Witness/Victim Interviews
- Excellent communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Strategic planning
- Business process improvement
- Requirements gathering
- Risk assessments
- Conflict resolution
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
Accomplishments
- Achieved error reduction by completing feedback surveys and engaging those directly affected with accuracy and efficiency.
- Achieved decrease in completed suicides by introducing K9 Support Program for Employee and Family Support.
- Collaborated with teams of five or more in the development of K9 Support Program and associated training. Also established minimum standards for K9 evaluation for purchase and creation and standards for a 5-week Handler course.
Certification
- AKC Instructor and Certifier for all levels of STAR, Obedience, CGC levels and Therapy dog
- IACP Certified Instructor and Train-the-Trainer
- Instructor-Reid Interview Techniques
- CBP Chaplain
- CBP Chaplain Academy Instructor
- K9ST Lead Program Manager and Member with “Willow”
- Active participant in the Mentoring Program
- Master Resilience Trainer
- Course Development Certification and Instructor
- Instructional Design Certification and Instructor
- Featured Guest Speaker at the 2017 IAP Team Lead Conference in London, England
- Featured Guest Instructor at the 2021 Intelligence University
Interests
Timeline
Management and Program Analyst, GS-0343-14 (First Line)
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
11.2022 - Current
Branch Chief, GS-0340-14 (First Line)
National Targeting Center (NTC)-Operational Support Division
02.2022 - 11.2022
Director, GS-1895-15 (Third Line)
National Targeting Center (NTC)-Headquarters/Counterterrorism Division
11.2019 - 02.2022
Assistant Director, GS-1895-14 (Second Line)
National Targeting Center (NTC)-Headquarters/Operational Support Division
10.2018 - 10.2019
Branch Chief, GS-1895-14 (Second Line)
Customs and Border Protection
04.2018 - 10.2018
Supervisory Instructor, GS-1895-14 (Second Line)
Leadership Development Center-Advanced Training Center
10.2017 - 03.2018
Branch Chief, GS-1895-14 (Second Line)
Customs and Border Protection
02.2015 - 10.2018
Program Manager and Watch Commander, GS-1895 13/14
Customs and Border Protection
01.2013 - 02.2015
CBP Officer and Supervisor (GS-1895-5 through 13)
Customs and Border Protection
07.2005 - 01.2013
Criminal Investigator/Security Police Officer
St. John Health System
12.2002 - 07.2005
Police Officer
Portsmouth Police Department
01.2000 - 12.2002
CBP Field Operations Accredited Chaplain Academy
Chaplain Certification from Theology/Chaplain
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