Melissa Conley is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Deputy Assistant Administrator (Acting) for the Office of Requirements and Capabilities Analysis (RCA). She has served in this role since August 2022 and is a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES). As Deputy Assistant Administrator (Acting) of RCA, Melissa Conley leads the strategy and development of TSA’s security architecture and operational capabilities to enhance security and optimize mission performance through analysis and innovation. In addition to her work in advancing TSA’s capabilities for an improved passenger experience, Melissa oversees finance, operations, and Congressional and industry engagement on behalf of RCA.
Ms. Conley also served as the Executive Director of Capability Management and Innovation (CMI) for the Office of RCA. As the Executive Director for CMI, Ms. Conley provided enterprise oversight for all TSA operational capabilities throughout their lifecycle to ensure proper resourcing and alignment to DHS and TSA strategies and priorities. Ms. Conley worked with a team of Capability Managers to integrate all materiel and nonmaterial capabilities into the security architecture to ensure a cohesive set of innovative security solutions to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Additionally, Ms. Conley coordinated innovation efforts with stakeholders including current and emerging technology demonstrations intended to enhance operational capabilities and develop efficiencies.
Ms. Conley previously served as the the Senior Advisor for the Office of RCA advising on matters relating to capabilities and requirements used in all modes of transportation. Ms. Conley also previously served as the Senior Advisor for the Office of Security Operations (SO) where she assisted the Assistant Administrator with security operations for approximately 440 airports nationwide, including a workforce of more than 50,000 employees.