J. Matt Gilkeson is the Division Director for the Innovation Task Force Division (ITF) within Requirements and Capabilities Analysis (RCA) at TSA. As Division Director, Mr. Gilkeson fosters innovation by integrating key stakeholders in the identification, demonstration, and characterization of emerging solutions in an effort to increase security effectiveness and improve passenger experience. The ITF is composed of a diverse headquarters staff of program managers who integrate operations activities, develop strategic and tactical plans, and demonstrate innovative private-sector solutions that ensure the freedom of movement throughout the nation’s transportation system.
Prior to being named Division Director, Mr. Gilkeson headed a cross-agency team of personnel from headquarters and field staff in the creation of the dynamic screening initiative, which aims to create a faster, more user-friendly, and lighter-touch passenger and Transportation Security Officer experience by integrating capabilities, technologies, and procedures and tailoring screening to each passenger. Additionally, Mr. Gilkeson previously served as the Branch Manager for ITF’s Demonstration Management & Execution team, where he managed and oversaw all of ITF’s demonstration activities. Mr. Gilkeson also has experience leading ITF’s industry exchange activities, helping ITF communicate in new ways with the vendor community and performing outreach to new solution providers that had not previously partnered with TSA.
Prior to joining ITF, Mr. Gilkeson served as a Program Manager for Business Operations and Initiatives within the Office of Training and Development (OTD). With a strong information technology, process, and strategy background, he established the Integrated Curriculum Development Process, supported the TSA Academy TSO Basic stand-up, and led a study envisioning a new National Security Training and Education Enterprise.
