About OHSEC

The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Coordination (OHSEC) was created under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure better safety and preparedness throughout all of its agencies and offices. 

In 2001, the Homeland Security office was created as a response to the tragedy that struck the Nation on September 11 of that year.  In 2010, OHSEC was formed out of a merger between Homeland Security and the USDA Office of Security Services (OSS) to create a more efficient and effective organization.  OHSEC is one of 13 offices that falls under Departmental Management (DM) within USDA. 

Organization 

OHSEC Leadership and Biographies

Within the OHSEC department, there are 6 divisions, in addition to the Office of the Director.  The Office of Director provides strategic planning, internal coordination, and operational support for all activities within the divisions.  These divisions are:

• Emergency Programs
• Executive Protective Operations
• Personnel and Document Security
• Physical Security
• Resilience and Preparedness
• Radiation Safety

Vision

To provide strong leadership to ensure positive growth and empower employees and stakeholders with information and collaborative tools needed to address the complex challenges facing the USDA.

Mission

To lead security, preparedness and response efforts through training, coordination, and the development and execution of policies and procedures to ensure employees and stakeholders are prepared to support the USDA mission.