Mark Koumans is a transformative executive leader with a background in foreign and domestic border security, information sharing, immigration, and operations and mission support. Over his 34-year federal career he served in key executive roles at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and previously served as a Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Department of State.
As a Chertoff Group Senior Advisor he contributes to guiding organizations focused on borders, immigration and expanding their U.S. Federal government business.
While serving as CBP Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner for Operations Support he enhanced security and facilitated trade and travel with international partners in the Caribbean, Central America, Europe and the Middle East. As Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner for Enterprise Services, he managed IT, acquisitions and procurement, human resources and finance. He also oversaw cybersecurity compliance and the agency’s transition to cloud-based systems.
As DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, he led international programs and policy to strengthen security and trade, including the Visa Waiver Program.
During his tenure as the Deputy Director of USCIS, Koumans managed legislative and international outreach efforts. He spearheaded major financial, procurement and hiring initiatives and he championed the expansion of electronic processing.
He held 12 assignments as a Foreign Service Officer, including posts in Amsterdam, Hong Kong and Berlin. During this time, he led security negotiations, targeted terrorist financing and developed information sharing programs. While on detail to the office of U.S. Trade Representative, he expanded trade and shaped economic policy.
Mark graduated from Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies. He completed numerous courses at the Foreign Service Institute as well as national security executive training at the Harvard Kennedy School.