Julie Brewer

On November 5, 2023, Ms. Julie Brewer was appointed the Deputy Under Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science and Technology Directorate (S&T). As the scientific, technical and engineering core of expertise for the Department, S&T is a direct science adviser to the Homeland Security Secretary, DHS Components, and the nation’s first responders. S&T is responsible for identifying operational gaps, conceptualizing art-of-the-possible solutions, and delivering operational results that improve the security and resilience of the nation. As the Deputy Under Secretary, Ms. Brewer serves as the S&T chief operating officer, overseeing the organizational needs of the $1 billion, 1500-person Directorate.

Prior to her current role, Ms. Brewer served as the Executive Director of the Office of Innovation and Collaboration (OIC), where she provided access to technology-based capabilities and solutions through a vast network of trusted partnerships and manages tools and contract mechanisms that allow S&T to sponsor critical research and development (R&D) activities. Ms. Brewer previously served S&T as the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Chief of Staff for S&T from May to December 2021 and the Director of the Office of National Laboratories (ONL), from October 2018 to June 2021.

Ms. Brewer began her career as an officer in the U.S. Air Force where she served as a civil engineer leading numerous flights, serving as a Wing Executive Officer, and deploying in theatre to lead bed down operations. Over 24 years she has served in the military, worked in the private sector, and held various leadership positions within the civil service. Ms. Brewer earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Engineering Management from Oklahoma State University. She is a recipient of the 2022 Meritorious Presidential Rank Award and the 2021 DHS Secretary’s Leadership Excellence Award.