Caryn Wagner

Undersecretary for Intelligence and Analysis for the Department of Homeland Security (since February 2010)

(DHS.gov)

Why She Matters

Three decades of intelligence experience have led to Wagner's nomination as undersecretary for intelligence and analysis, a position she said "occupies a unique mission space between the national intelligence and law enforcement communities and the State, local, tribal and private sector entities that are the front lines of homeland security. There is nothing more important than forging and fostering those connections."

Wagner is responsible for overseeing intelligence operations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and will be the key contact person for the broader network of intelligence-gathering and analysisShe is charged with leading information sharing initiatives, cultivating better working relationships with local centers and managing security.

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Corrections?

Background

At a Glance

Career History: Senior faculty member, the Intelligence Security Academy (2008-2009); Budget Director, U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (2007-2008); Assistant Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Management (2005-2006); Executive Director for Intelligence Community Affairs (2004-2005)
Alma Mater: College of William and Mary, B.A.-1979; University of Southern California, M.S.

DC Office: Department of Homeland SecurityWashington, D.C. 20528 Phone: 202-282-8000
Web site

Path to Power

Right after graduating from the College of William and Mary in May 1979, Wagner was commissioned by the U.S. Army for eight years of active duty as a signals intelligence and electronic warfare officer. This tour was followed by a few more years in the reserves, an experience she later described as "not-very-successful." After that, Wagner left the Army.

She went on to the University of Southern California to pursue a master's in systems management.

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The Issues

In her 2009 Senate confirmation hearing, Wagner said she would focus her attention in three areas, including: "creating a true homeland security information sharing enterprise," fostering the role of chief intelligence officer in the department, and improving Homeland Security's efficiency and staff morale.

Information Sharing

Wagner would emphasize the role of first responders at the state and local levels of homeland security, and has said that it is critical to educate these officials to identify terrorist indicators, effectively obtain information with a full understanding of civil rights regulations and communicate findings with the department on a broader scale. To train a sprawling department is a "a multi-faceted challenge," she has said, that "requires adapting analytic methodologies and product lines, a great deal of training at all levels of the enterprise, and IT and information sharing solutions to enable two-way information flow."

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The Network

Wagner would report to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. She would also likely work closely with FEMA Director William Craig Fugate and his deputy, Timothy Maninng.

Additional Resources