Ms. Sheila Thomas serves as the Executive Director of the National Security Agency. In this capacity, she works with the NSA's Director and Deputy Director to provide leadership in all areas of the enterprise and to represent NSA's interests both internally and externally.
PRIOR POSITIONS: Ms. Thomas began her cryptologic career in 1985 within the intelligence analysis career field. Her external assignments include serving as an NSA representative to Department of Commerce, the Pentagon, FBI and the United Kingdom. She was part of the leadership team that established a joint Defense and Intelligence Community organization to support information operations capabilities. Ms. Thomas led Analysis & Production at NSA/CSS Texas, the SIGINT Directorate Office of Compliance, and Strategy, Performance and Programs for Analysis and Production. She also led analytic modernization efforts for NSA, implementation of the NSA21 campaign, and served as Chief of Information and Intelligence Analysis within the Directorate of Operations. Most recently, Ms. Thomas represented NSA in all aspects of the cryptologic partnership with the United Kingdom as the Special United States Liaison Officer, London (SUSLOL), also serving as a senior member of the U.S. Embassy, London country team. Ms. Thomas was most recently the Director of the Engagement & Policy Directorate, working with a team of senior leaders to advance and integrate essential NSA activities, including policy and compliance, internal and external communications, engagement with national and foreign partners, and the delivery of intelligence products and services.
EDUCATION AND AWARDS:
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from Loyola College in Baltimore
- Masters Certificate in Telecommunications and Information Systems from Johns Hopkins University
- Master’s Degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College at Fort McNair.
- Presidential Meritorious Rank, Special Achievement, Exceptional Civilian Service, Meritorious Civilian Service and Meritorious Unit Citation Awards.
PERSONAL: Ms. Thomas resides in Maryland with her husband.