Wandra Nickson
White Plains
Summary
Dynamic security professional with extensive experience, specializing in SCIF management and personnel security. Proven track record in developing security policies and enhancing team leadership, achieving an 80% reduction in security violations. Adept at analytical problem solving and risk assessment to ensure mission success.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Protection Coordinator
Jasint Consulting And Technologies
Columbia
02.2025 - Current
- Develops and implements program protection strategies.
- Facilitates evaluations of protection status.
- Reviews and revises protection-related documents to ensure mutual compatibility.
- Supports documentation of policies for Program Protection Plans.
- Supports the development and augmentation of protection measures, as required.
- Reviews and provides guidance on security classification guide development during all phases of an acquisition effort. Reviews proposed industry interfaces, OPSEC procedures, and cover stories for continued applicability.
- Conducts assessments of Critical Program Information (CPI) for agency programs and projects.
- Recommends interim protection measures upon completion of the CPI assessment.
- Analyzes threats to CPI, and other sensitive information.
- Provides essential inputs to the Servicing Counterintelligence Threat Assessment Center.
- Reviews threat assessments to derive program-specific vulnerabilities.
- Prepare, coordinate, and submit annual reports on program security issues, as required.
- Acts as the onsite program contractor lead point of contact for the government.
Deputy Special Security Officer
Office of Naval Research
03.2021 - 02.2025
- Develops and implements policies and procedures for sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) security management
- Applies knowledge of a wide range of security concepts, principles, and practices to review, independently analyze, and resolve difficult and complex security problems
- Provides policy direction to contractors and government/military officials
- Develops guidance for applying security policy, procedures, techniques, equipment, and methods to a variety of work situations and various levels of security
- Cultivates a broad range of security program relationships, and proficiency in information, personnel, and industrial security to effectively implement and administer applicable security programs and/or coordinate with other specialized security programs
- Applies knowledge of security classification methods, concepts, and eligibility for access to classified or sensitive information to review plans for proposed or new projects, organizations, and/or missions to assure the presence of adequate planning for information security and other controls
- Skilled in planning, developing, analyzing, and evaluating security programs to meet mission requirements and improve the security program
- Demonstrates the ability to plan, organize work, meet deadlines and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- Establishes effective working relationships with co-workers and professionally interacted with officials at all levels to facilitate mission accomplishments
Supervisory Security Manager
Department of the Air Force
04.2019 - 03.2021
- Executed and enforces all operational, functional, and mission assurance aspects of the personnel security program to include the establishment and maintenance of Security Information Files (SIFs)
- Formulates program goals, plans, policy implementation guidelines, procedures and work plans dealing with the development and operation of AF/SG Personnel Security programs and activities; provides technical and administrative direction to subordinate AF/SG Personnel Security personnel
- Developed and advises senior leadership on the establishment and related actions for SIFs
- Interprets AF, DoD, and national regulations and laws for Personnel Security processes as they apply and are implemented within the Office of the Air Force Surgeon General
- Demonstrated expert knowledge of the personnel security field that is necessary to provide effective guidance, training, and direction to subordinate AF/SG organizations/activities/units
- Developed operational standards and provides oversight for AF/SG requests for security investigations and clearances
- Ensures complete documentation requirements are met prior to submitting to the Defense Security Service (DSS) or Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
- Developed program metric data to monitor system health and develops long range goals to meet requirements; prepares personnel security review reports and briefs the Commander and provides recommendations and advice
- Reviewed and optimized the Personnel Security pre-investigative structure to maximize resources for efficient operations
- Periodically reviews and improves AF/SG security operations; assures that procedures and policies relative to evaluation, maintenance, and review of Personnel Security Investigations (PSIs) for all civilian, military, non-appropriate funded, and appropriated fund employees are established and properly administered for the entire organization; oversees responsibility for Personnel Security clearances for the AF/SG and serves as the principle point of contact with the Air Force Central Adjudication Facility (AFCAF) in resolving sensitive security clearance issues as appropriate
- Evaluated derogatory information and provides guidance to senior managers on the establishment of SIFs and/or the suspension, revocation, or termination of an individual’s security clearance
- Evaluated compliance of activities with security requirements, identifies deficiencies, and ensures plausible corrective action is identified and tracked for each deficiency found
- Reviews, analyzes, and briefs on the results of preliminary inquiries and formal investigations resulting from security violations/incidents
- Integral member of the team in the conduct of IG inspections and staff assistance to the AF/SG
- Monitors the control and safeguarding of SIFs
- Authorizes appropriate course of action to take upon receipt of derogatory information with commanders and higher authority
- Analyzed personnel security problems, mission vulnerabilities, security impacts to mission assurance, and divergent difficulties involving multiple security disciplines and other functional areas; and provides cost effective, efficient, and productive solutions to ensure mission success
- Analyzes weaknesses identified during ISPRs, and higher headquarters inspections of systemic security problems in order to modify and apply recommended solutions
Personnel Security Specialist
Central Command, MacDill AFB
08.2017 - 03.2019
- Special Security Officer for United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) CCJ2
- Engaged with every directorate throughout the command to ensure efficient and effective security administration
- Consistently adheres to security regulations, publications, directives, and manuals while providing guidance to organizational personnel concerning special security, information security, and foreign visitor matters
- Shaped the security processes supporting the organization’s mission, vision, and functions
- Imparts guidance and mentoring to junior security professionals for day to day security activities, reaffirming expectations, and providing sound advice for deliverables
- Processes over 750 U.S
- Visit access requests utilizing the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS), Record Message Traffic (RMT), Messaging Information System and Tools for the Intelligence Community (MISTIC), and faxes per month
- These same methods are used to process over 500 foreign national visit requests for visits to the Middle East (Clearance Certifications (CL CERT) and CENTCOM HQ in Tampa, FL (Foreign Visit Requests [FVR]) per month; ensuring timely entrance into the organization for meetings, training, and mission requirements
- Efficiently in-processes and out-processes command personnel ensuring a smooth transition in and out the organization cultivating excellent customer service
- Create and issues permanent and temporary badges for command personnel and visitor badges as appropriate
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, JPAS, Scattered Castles, CENTCOM Special Security Officer Badge Kiosk, CENTCOM Master Personnel System (MPS), CENTCOM Automated Record of Clearance (ARC) System, FARGO DTC4500 (Badge Printer), and AMAG (Badging and alarm system)
Lead Personnel Security Specialist
Department of the Army, 902 MI Group, Ft, Meade, MD
05.2017 - 07.2017
- Efficiently managed the daily security operations of the 902d MI Group; providing technical advice to peers, subordinates, senior leaders and executives
- Determined the suitability and security eligibility of personnel for entry and retention for access to classified information
- Conducted 40 SCI indoctrinations and 20 debriefs on average per week
- Approved PKI certificates for over 150 classified system users per month
- Processed all incoming and outgoing visit requests via JPAS
- Processed over 75 system access requests via DD2875 per month
- Processed Security Clearance verifications as needed
- Excellent working knowledge and application of security directives, regulations, manuals, and guidelines to accomplish duties and responsibilities
- Instrumental in developing, monitoring, training, and enforcing security measures in the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF)
- Reviewed requests for security clearances, interviewed nominees and provided rights to due process
Lead Special Security Officer/Security Manager
Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Networks (JFHQ-DODIN), Ft. Meade, MD
10.2014 - 05.2017
- Efficiently managed the daily security operations of JFHQ-DODIN; providing technical advice to peers, subordinates, senior leaders and executives
- Developed JFHQ security program/policies for the SCIF and other designated programs
- Managed SCI accesses for command personnel and visitors; determining the suitability and security eligibility of personnel for entry and retention for access to classified information
- Established security programs to protect staff, visitors and organizational property/equipment from harm or loss by continuously improving the security policies and procedures within JFHQ-DODIN
- Consistently adhered to security regulations, publications, directives, and manuals while providing guidance to organizational personnel concerning special security, information security, operation security (OPSEC), Security Education and Training, and classification management
- Oversaw the efficient and timely processing of security violations and incidents
- Instrumental in developing, monitoring, training, and enforcing security measures in the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) reducing security violations by 50% within the first year of employment and down 80% within a 2 year period
- Reviewed requests for new hire security clearances, interviewed nominees and provided rights to due process
- Primary Trusted Agent for SIPR Tokens for over 225 personnel
- Oversaw and managed security functions to include personnel security, information security, information systems security, operations security (OPSEC), and security education and training
- As the OPSEC coordinator served as the point of contact for overall management of the JFHQ-DODIN OPSEC Program
- Ensured the integration and synchronization of JFHQ-DODINs OPSEC Program with CYBERCOMs OPSEC program
- Planned for and implemented OPSEC before, during, and after operations and other activities that affect the cyber security capability of the JFHQ-DODIN
- Facilitated OPSEC guidance to organizational personnel
- Assisted with development of the organizations Critical Information List (CIL)
- Developed and recommended OPSEC measures to be implemented within the organization
- Conducted OPSEC reviews of operational plans and reports to ensure adherence to OPSEC policies and procedures
- Promoted awareness and understanding of OPSEC, the OPSEC process, CIL, adversary intelligence threats, and individual responsibilities
- Coordinated with the Privacy Act (PA) and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) officers to ensure an OPSEC review was conducted before the release of information concerning the command and/or command programs and projects
Security Specialist
Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Ft. Meade, MD
05.2008 - 10.2014
- Provided personnel leadership, program management and technical oversight of 70 security managers
- As the agency’s Physical Security Program Manager, processed and maintained over 90 accreditation packages for DISA owned and leased classified open storage areas and established security programs to protect staff, visitors
- And organizational property/equipment from harm or loss by continuously improving the security policies and procedures within DISA facilities
- Prepared and presented instruction on DoD policy for the protection and control of SCI and guidance regarding physical and personnel security programs to defense components
- Scheduled and conducted physical security inspections of collateral classified areas and SCIFs
- Consistently applied national and local regulations regarding the type of personnel security checks required and requesting investigations from the appropriate organizations
- Granted Interim Security Clearance Access up to the Top Secret level for new hires based on favorable information provided via SF86, credit report, and personnel security questionnaires developed based on the adjudicative guidelines for determining eligibility for access to classified information
- Conducted preliminary and final reviews of statements of personal history and related information prior to initiation of background investigation procedures
- Prepared reports on inquiries resulting from interviews conducted during preliminary background investigations
- Drafted questions of inquiry when information was insufficient to make recommendations regarding the disposition of a case
- Planned and conducted information security assessments
- Conducted analysis to develop and implement plans and programs that integrated into successful training initiatives
- Developed and implemented new training program required for all DISA security managers
- Provided security related mandatory training to all DISA personnel; created reports and after action reviews to improve weaknesses, highlight strengths, corrective measures, and training requirements
- Effectively conducted security violation and violence in the workplace inquiries
- Develop physical security and other security education and training plans and policies to protect and educate the workforce
- Served as DISAs Assistant Communications Security (COMSEC) custodian
- Assisted with responsibilities for the full life-cycle of COMSEC Account planning, operations, maintenance, and training
Lead Personnel Security Specialist
SecTek Incorporated
Reston
03.2008 - 05.2008
- Directly supervised and evaluated five personnel security specialist which included assigning work, mentoring, and counseling
- Developed and implemented security policies, procedures, and programs involving loyalty and reliability of people
- Established security programs to protect staff, visitors
- And organizational property/equipment from harm or loss by continuously improving the security policies and procedures within NASA HQs
- Managed the daily security operations of NASA HQs; provided technical advice to senior leaders and executives
- Oversaw security functions to include personnel security, information security, OPSEC, and security training
- Conducted studies and analysis to develop new protective systems, procedures, evaluations and techniques, and guidance for command application to sensitive and/or technically complex missions
Security Specialist
Science Application International Corporation
Reston
02.2005 - 02.2008
- Established security program/policies for SCIFs and other designated programs; manage SCI billets
- Scheduled and conducted physical security inspections of collateral classified areas and SCIFs
- Prepared and presented instruction on DoD policy for the protection and control of SCI and guidance regarding physical and personnel security programs to defense components
- Managed several special access programs (SAPs) for the Missile Defense Agency, the Aerospace Corporation, and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
- Managed visitor access to the Missile Defense Agency’s SAP, SCI, and collateral spaces for conferences, meetings, and discussions
- Conducted program indoctrinations and debriefings of highly technical and sensitive projects to Missile Defense Agency military, government civilian officials, and contractors
- As the OPSEC Officer, served as the point of contact for overall management of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA)’s OPSEC Program
- Planned for and implemented OPSEC before, during, and after operations and other activities that affected the combat capability of the MDA
- Facilitated OPSEC guidance to organizational personnel
- Assisted with development of the organizations Critical Information List (CIL)
- Developed and recommended OPSEC measures to be implemented within the organization
- Conducted OPSEC reviews of operational plans and reports to ensure adherence to OPSEC policies and procedures
- Promoted awareness and understanding of OPSEC, the OPSEC process, CIL, adversary intelligence threats, and individual responsibilities
Security Personnel Management/Training Manager
United States Navy (USN)
04.1985 - 04.2005
- As a Cryptologic Technician Administrative (CTA), performed administrative duties related to office management, training management, travel orders, military personnel management, correspondence, records management, other administrative functions to include assessment of new and changing requirements and their impact on organizational efficiency; provided recommendations for improved or changing policies/procedures and operations
- As the Foreign Disclosure Officer, established and implemented policies and procedures for disclosure of information to foreign nationals
- Reviewed briefings, requests, reports, and informational material and recommended disclosure responses in accordance with the National Disclosure Policy One (NDP1), applicable DoD Intelligence community and local policies, procedures and organizational goals
- Managed two Special Access Programs (SAPs) for USSTRATCOM and served as the USSTRATCOM SAP Facility (SAPF) Security Manger providing oversight of operations within the SAPF
- Ensured USSTRATCOM SAP, SCI, and Collateral facilities complied with applicable local, Department of Defense (DOD) and National-level multi-discipline security policies
- Provided accountability and control of USSTRATCOM’s SAP, SCI, and Collateral classified material and/or documents
- Reviewed, interpreted, and implemented directives from USSTRATCOM and subordinate commands
- Managed visitor access to USSTRATCOM’s SAP, SCI, and collateral spaces for conferences, meetings, and discussions
- Conducted program indoctrinations and debriefings of highly technical and sensitive projects to USSTRATCOM military, government civilian officials, and contractors
Education
DOD SCI Security Official’s Course - Special Security
Department of The Navy
Alexandria, VA01.2022
AF OPSEC Signature Manager Course - Operations Security
Department of The Air Force
Hurlburt Field, FL01.2020
DIA Foreign Disclosure Course - Information Security
Defense Intelligence Agency
Tampa, FL01.2017
Masters Business Administration (MBA) - Human Resources
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ01.2004
Bachelor of Science Degree - Human & Social Services Administration/Human Resource Management
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE01.2001
Analysis and Reporting Course -
Naval Technical Training Center
San Angelo, TX01.1989
Skills
- SCIF management
- Risk assessment
- Security policy development
- Personnel security
- Security training
- Incident investigation
- Effective Team Leadership
- Analytical Problem Solving
- Skill Development Training
Affiliations
- Member of Liberty Cares
- Bowl on a league
- Disabled Veteran
Accomplishments
- Received numerous merit increases for outstanding job performance
- Received numerous individual performance awards
- Received award - Civilian of the Quarter 2021/2022
- Received award - Civilian of the Year 2022
Timeline
Program Protection Coordinator
Jasint Consulting And Technologies
02.2025 - Current
Deputy Special Security Officer
Office of Naval Research
03.2021 - 02.2025
Supervisory Security Manager
Department of the Air Force
04.2019 - 03.2021
Personnel Security Specialist
Central Command, MacDill AFB
08.2017 - 03.2019
Lead Personnel Security Specialist
Department of the Army, 902 MI Group, Ft, Meade, MD
05.2017 - 07.2017
Lead Special Security Officer/Security Manager
Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Networks (JFHQ-DODIN), Ft. Meade, MD
10.2014 - 05.2017
Security Specialist
Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Ft. Meade, MD
05.2008 - 10.2014
Lead Personnel Security Specialist
SecTek Incorporated
03.2008 - 05.2008
Security Specialist
Science Application International Corporation
02.2005 - 02.2008
Security Personnel Management/Training Manager
United States Navy (USN)
04.1985 - 04.2005
DOD SCI Security Official’s Course - Special Security
Department of The Navy
AF OPSEC Signature Manager Course - Operations Security
Department of The Air Force
DIA Foreign Disclosure Course - Information Security
Defense Intelligence Agency
Masters Business Administration (MBA) - Human Resources
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science Degree - Human & Social Services Administration/Human Resource Management
Bellevue University
Analysis and Reporting Course -
Naval Technical Training Center
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