Melissa Robinson has over two decades of dedicated federal service and has been with the Department of Energy since May 2016. She has served in many capacities throughout her DOE tenure, including Deputy Director of the Office of Security Vetting.
In her current role as the Director of the Office of Headquarters Security Operations, Melissa leads crucial safeguards and security programs encompassing access control, protective force operations, incident management, and comprehensive personnel security vetting. Her responsibilities include overseeing eligibility for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 credentialing and managing access authorizations (security clearances) to Restricted Data. Moreover, she has been at the forefront of implementing the Department's Trusted Workforce 2.0 initiative, shaping the future of personnel security vetting throughout the federal government.
Melissa's career is marked by significant contributions across diverse disciplines, to include security, investigations, and intelligence domains. Prior to her work at DOE Headquarters, she served at the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Federal Investigative Services as a Special Agent, and played various crucial roles at the Department of Defense. Notably, she aided in the establishment of the Air Force Material Command’s Nuclear Weapons Center at Kirtland AFB, NM, demonstrating her strategic vision and operational acumen.
Melissa holds an undergraduate degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in psychology, complementing her vast practical experience. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a proud U.S. Air Force (retired) spouse, has two adult children, and is an enthusiastic Formula 1 fan.