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Former Fellow now employee keeps DHS running smoothly

 (Oct. 20, 2006)

    With more than 180,000 employees, the Department of Homeland Security is a giant “network of networks” with massive computing needs. Steve Ressler, a 2003 DHS Fellow, is a vital player in keeping the DHS machine running smoothly.

     Since 2004, Steve has been an Information Technology (IT) Auditor for the DHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The OIG examines, evaluates and recommends ways for DHS’ IT systems to run more effectively and efficiently. Steve conducts analytical studies to detect areas for improvement within DHS information management programs, operations and initiatives.

     In his two years with DHS, Steve’s recommendations have been adopted into the Homeland Security Information Network (DHS’ primary tool for interagency communication) and by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services’ IT management systems. His expertise has been recognized through contributions to DHS management decisions and to Congressional testimony by the Assistant Inspector General of IT audits.

     Outside of DHS, Steve is the founder of Young Government Leaders (www.younggovernmentleaders.org), a fast-growing group that currently links more than 750 young men and women working in the Federal government. He was also recently awarded the “Rising Star Award” by Federal Computer Week, recognized as one of the future leaders for government IT. Steve appeared on the cover of the October 9, 2006, issue of the magazine under the title “The Real American Idol.”

     Articles written by Steve have been featured in the Social Security Bulletin, The Public Manager, and Homeland Security Affairs. He received his Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania. Steve would love to hear from any DHS Scholars/Fellows or any interested parties at steve.ressler@dhs.gov