Senior Fellow

John P. Farrell Jr. is a DHS‑retired Branch Chief and recognized leader in critical‑infrastructure protection, emergency management, and cross‑sector security risk governance. Over a nearly 30‑year federal career spanning both pre‑ and post‑9/11 service, he held roles across multiple agencies before retiring as Chief of Risk and Security Assessments at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Office of Chemical Security. In this national leadership position, he directed threat‑mitigation and compliance operations for high‑risk chemical facilities and strengthened public‑private coordination across all 16 critical‑infrastructure sectors.

A lifelong public‑safety professional, Farrell has served as a law enforcement officer, volunteer firefighter, Fire & Life Safety Educator, Public Information Officer, and Community Risk Reduction advocate bringing operational experience that grounds his strategic work in real‑world response, prevention, and community resilience. He also contributes his guidance and experience to several various 501(c) organizations supporting public safety and professional development, including Aspiring Emergency Managers Online (AEMO), the National Wildfire Tracking Team (NWTT), and The Steady State.

Farrell is a member of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), InfraGard NCR, the Harvard Kennedy School Washington DC Alumni Council, the National Defense University Alumni Community, the Association of Fire and Emergency Services Analysts (AFESA), the U.S. CBRN & HazMat Technician Association (USCHTA), and ASIS International, collaborating on national initiatives that strengthen preparedness, security, and cross‑sector coordination.

He holds advanced degrees in Strategic Security Studies and Criminal Justice Administration, supported by senior leadership training from FBI‑LEEDA, FEMA, FLETC, and the Harvard Kennedy School. When not working, he enjoys rucking the battlefields across Virginia, reading, and spending time with his family and dog, Maleficent.