Omar Cruz, Lead Cyber Threat Analyst, Threat Analysis & Defense Section, IT Security Branch, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, DC

Omar Cruz is the lead for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Cyber Threat Program, which focuses on monitoring, safeguarding, and protecting FEMA’s Enterprise Network against cyber attacks. He was born in the Dominican Republic and arrived in the United States in 1992 at the age of 12, settling in Passaic, NJ. Even though Mr. Cruz was faced with childhood adversity, he was diligent with his studies and four years after arriving in the United States became fluent in English. After graduating from high school in 1997, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps while still a permanent resident, serving not as a citizen, but a citizen at heart.

Mr. Cruz has received numerous awards and recognitions for his military service including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, and the Armed Forces National Defense Service Medal. He was also named Marine of the Year in 2000 at Marine Corps Base Headquarters and Service Battalion in Quantico, VA. Additionally for his service to the community, he received special recognition for participating in the Marine Corps Base Quantico Mentorship Program for elementary students serving as a role model for area youth.

After his military service, Mr. Cruz earned his bachelor’s degree in Network and Communications Management. He began his federal career with FEMA in 2010.

Mr. Cruz became a naturalized citizen in 2000.