Michael J. Sullivan
Acting Director
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
U.S. Department of Justice

Michael J. Sullivan was designated the Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in August 2006 by President George W. Bush. In this position, Sullivan oversees nearly 5,000 ATF employees and an annual budget of close to $1 billion. He ensures that ATF fulfills its mission of preventing terrorism, reducing violent crime, and protecting our Nation.

As United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts since September 2001, Sullivan has worked aggressively to combat terrorism. He established a counterterrorism unit in his office; formed an Anti-Terrorism Task Force comprised of federal, state and local law enforcement to prevent future terrorist attacks; and prosecuted the so-called “shoe bomber” Richard Reid.

In addition to combating terrorism, Sullivan has focused on protecting youth and safeguarding communities from the threat of violence. As U.S. Attorney, Sullivan followed through on the President's Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative to safeguard our communities by developing a Community Prosecution and Crime Reduction Unit to enforce the federal gun laws and develop highly targeted gun crime reduction strategies. Through his innovative efforts, Sullivan has elicited unprecedented cooperation among federal, State and local law enforcement agencies to target gun crime in Boston and across the State. From fiscal year 2000-2005, Sullivan increased federal gun prosecutions under existing laws by 114 percent in Massachusetts.

Sullivan also created a unit within his office to target computer hacking and high technology crimes, including identity theft, Internet auction and credit card fraud, economic espionage, copyright and trademark violations. Under his leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Massachusetts has recovered more than $3 billion for the federal government. Sullivan serves on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and chairs the Health Care Fraud Subcommittee.

Before serving as U.S. Attorney, Sullivan was appointed District Attorney of Plymouth County by Massachusetts Governor William F. Weld in May 1995. He was elected to the position in November 1996 and again in 1998. One of Sullivan’s top priorities during his tenure as District Attorney was to address the issue of unsolved homicides in the county. This initiative resulted in the resolution of a significant number of murders. In addition, he became known as a leader in the fight against child abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse.

Sullivan began his public service in 1990 when he was elected to the Massachusetts State House of Representatives, where he served for three terms. As a legislator, Sullivan was a strong proponent of criminal justice reform.

Prior to his public service, Sullivan worked at the Gillette Company for 16 years. He started as a stock clerk at the age of 18 and rose to positions in human resource management and quality operations before becoming assistant to the president. While employed at Gillette, Sullivan graduated from Boston College cum laude and Suffolk University Law School cum laude.