Mara Winn
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Visionary Senior Executive with a proven record of leading national security, energy, and critical infrastructure initiatives at the highest levels. Renowned for driving organizational transformation, building resilient public-private coalitions, and delivering mission-critical results across cybersecurity, emergency response, and risk management. Expert in shaping national policy, developing high-performing teams, and forging partnerships that safeguard the nation’s most vital assets. Collaborative leader partners with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Executive
Department of Energy
08.2022 - Current
- Direct enterprise-wide strategy for energy sector security and resilience, overseeing multidisciplinary teams in policy, risk analysis, workforce development, and incident response.
- Architected DOE’s recovery strategy for Defense Critical Energy Infrastructure (DCEI), re-baselining risk engagement and supporting interagency homeland defense efforts.
- Orchestrated over 45 annual exercises to enhance energy resilience and security, and launched pioneering workforce development programs.
- Led U.S. government response to international crises, including rapid deployment of critical infrastructure aid to Ukraine, reinforcing global energy security partnerships.
- Convened and facilitated strategic dialogues among CEOs, CISOs, and senior government leaders to drive.
- Led teams through significantly challenging environments while maintaining productivity and morale.
Senior Executive, Risk Management
Department of Homeland Security
07.2021 - 08.2022
- Directed national risk management strategies for critical infrastructure, integrating analytics and foresight to inform Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's mission execution.
- Managed 70+ professionals, fostering an agile, inclusive, and high-performance culture.
- Established governance for cross-sector risk reduction, supporting the Federal Senior Leadership Council and national policy alignment.
- Revitalized internal processes for resource planning and analytic integration, enhancing organizational effectiveness.
Deputy Director
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
02.2021 - 07.2021
- Established and led the Executive Order 14011 Family Reunification Task Force, reuniting families separated under prior U.S. immigration policy.
- Negotiated and implemented interagency and NGO partnerships, creating sustainable support frameworks for affected families.
- Developed and executed thought leadership for 7,000-person workforce operations, implementing the USCIS Service Blueprint and deploying innovative solutions to ensure operational continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic while meeting budget, financial, and operational goals.
- Modernized operations with strategic process improvements including launched rapid-deployment video interviews nationwide, earning the USCIS Director’s Award for transformative leadership.
Chief, Innovation Task Force
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
12.2014 - 05.2020
- Founded and scaled the Innovation Task Force, redefining TSA’s approach to technology acquisition and public-private innovation.
- Delivered Congressional-recognized impact by deploying advanced screening technologies and fostering industry engagement.
- Managed high-impact projects across 21 airports, optimizing resource allocation and operational effectiveness.
- Additional TSA positions also included Engineer and Deployment Integration Lead.
Program Management and Acquisition Specialist
Various
06.2001 - 12.2014
- Led acquisition and program management activities in nuclear and radiological detection and cyber supply chain risk management including novel strategic acquisition funding and operational analysis leading to a 200% increase in funding allocation.
- Led research and development program management and clinical affairs for medical device product development including international launches of 26 new meter configurations and 6 major design modifications.
Education
Bachelor's of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH06-2021
Bachelor of Arts - Physics
Smith College
Northampton05-2000
Skills
- Strategic Vision & Policy Development
- Crisis & Risk Management
- Cross-Sector Coalition Building
- Organizational Transformation
- Public-Private Partnership Engagement
- Policy development
- Program management
- Workforce Development & Talent Management
Accomplishments
- Recognized for innovation in public sector technology deployment and organizational change management.
- Led U.S. government’s critical infrastructure response to international cyber and physical threats, including direct support to Ukraine’s energy sector.
- Developed and operationalized national risk management frameworks adopted across federal agencies.
Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certificate in Project Management (Boston University)
- DHS Senior Executive Services Candidate Development Program (American University)
Publications, Professional Awards, and Recognition
A Framework and Tool for Automating Supply Chain Risk Management. Paper presented at the Space and Missile Defense Conference, Huntsville, AL. Winn, M, Crisler, V. (2012, August).
DOE Secretary’s Award 2023
TSA Honorary Awards: Team Award, 2017; HQ Employee of the Year 2016, Partnership Award 2016; Team Award 2016
DHS Secretary’s Award, Innovation Task Force, 2016 and 2019
Domestic Nuclear Detection Office Director’s Award for Excellence, 2013
Abbott Laboratories Chairman’s and President’s Awards 2005, Abbott Laboratories Vice President’s Award 2005
Timeline
Senior Executive
Department of Energy
08.2022 - Current
Senior Executive, Risk Management
Department of Homeland Security
07.2021 - 08.2022
Deputy Director
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
02.2021 - 07.2021
Chief, Innovation Task Force
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
12.2014 - 05.2020
Program Management and Acquisition Specialist
Various
06.2001 - 12.2014
Bachelor's of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
Dartmouth College
Bachelor of Arts - Physics
Smith College
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