Matt A. Mayer

Director of Homeland Security

Worked with executive leadership to develop homeland security strategy for corporation, including research and development initiatives, external investments, and public relations messaging.
Advised lines of business on tactical approaches to the homeland security market with specific focus on cargo security, transportation security, immigration and border security, grant opportunities, critical infrastructure measures, and telecommunication programs.
Drafted forward-thinking policy solutions aimed at shaping the homeland security market.
Represented the corporation in the homeland security community and spoke at conferences.

Advised the Secretary and Deputy Secretary on all Departmental policy and operational issues ranging from cargo and transportation security to immigration and critical infrastructure protection.
Developed and assisted in the formation of innovative policy solutions to complex problems, including the Secure Border Initiative, the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, the Secure Freight Initiative, and other touchstone programs.
Engaged in all aspects of the crisis management of the Department after Hurricane Katrina, including the immediate response efforts and the longer term challenge of building a 21st Century FEMA capable of dealing with catastrophic events.

Managed $3.6 billion office responsible for preparing America for terrorist attacks. Executed mission through the allocation of grants for the development of capabilities, execution of exercises (including the National Exercise Program and the TOPOFF series), and training of first responders.
Led the transformation of preparedness through several key initiatives:

the release of the National Preparedness Goal and Target Capabilities List -- innovative documents intended to shape how the nation prepares for catastrophic events;
the movement to allocate grant funds on a risk and need model, which not only analyzed the relative risk of a jurisdiction, but also critically analyzed the capability needs of the jurisdiction. This breakthrough approach allows greater focus of finite funds to more effectively reduce vulnerabilities and consequences;
the combining of multiple urban areas into one entity aimed at enhancing regional collaboration, planning, capabilities acquisitions, training, and exercising;
the decentralization of training that allowed state and local governments to institutionalize federal training courses in police and fire academies and community colleges so first responders could receive critical training more efficiently; and
the unification of the Department’s fragmented preparedness mission.

Participated in numerous public events, including testifying in front of Congress, giving speeches domestically and internationally, holding press conferences, and engaging in bilateral discussions with foreign governments.

Developed innovative policy and legislative positions for $68 million agency with nine divisions, including issuing official report on the re-importation of prescription drugs for foreign sources.
Co-created an award-winning regulatory notice system for consumers.
Managed day-to-day budgetary, operational, and administrative issues affecting 520 employees, including a successful ten percent reduction in staff that didn’t impact mission execution.
Led organizational change, regulatory reform efforts, and technology adoption activities.

Assisted in policy and strategy development in top-targeted federal campaign, including working with candidate on debate preparation, press relations, and positioning.
Performed functions including media relations, strategy, and operations.

Managed and tried product liability and employment litigation matters for Fortune 500 companies in federal court and private arbitration.
Advised business clients on all litigation and policy matters impacting their operations, including litigation prevention measures and challenges for start-up companies.
Drafted memoranda and briefs advocating innovative legal and public policy positions.