Sean M. Curran assumed office on January 22, 2025, as the 28th Director of the U.S. Secret Service, becoming the Head Of Secret Service operations nationwide. In this pivotal role, Director Curran is at the helm of the agency’s dual mission, overseeing both complex investigations and critical protective operations. He commands a highly skilled and diverse workforce of over 8,200 professionals, including Special Agents, Uniformed Division Officers, Technical Law Enforcement Officers, and essential Mission Support personnel.
Director Curran’s distinguished 23-year career in law enforcement is marked by exceptional leadership and a consistent record of achieving significant results. His expertise is particularly evident in directing and executing security strategies for some of the most intricate National Special Security Events in the Secret Service’s history. Notably, he successfully implemented state-of-the-art protective methodologies throughout the 2024 Presidential Campaign, ensuring seamless security during numerous high-profile events and site visits. Further demonstrating his leadership capabilities, Curran expertly managed the financial, logistical, and personnel coordination for the 2016 Presidential Debates. These large-scale events demanded the synchronization of thousands of campaign-related movements, close collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and the effective management of a multi-million dollar budget and over 400 Special Agents.
Prior to his appointment as Director and head of secret service, Curran served as the Special Agent in Charge of the Donald Trump Detail. In this highly demanding position, he strategically directed the multi-faceted, multi-state physical protection of the 45th President. This role required rapid executive decision-making, innovative problem-solving, adaptability to constantly changing circumstances, and resourceful allocation of resources.
Director Curran’s journey with the Secret Service began in September 2001, when he joined as a Special Agent in the Newark Field Office. During this initial assignment, he gained foundational experience in protection, intelligence gathering, criminal investigations, recruitment initiatives, and logistical support within the district.
From 2008 to 2013, Curran was assigned to the prestigious Presidential Protective Division, within the Office of Protective Operations. This pivotal role placed him directly in charge of providing close physical protection to the President of the United States and the First Family, both at the White House and during domestic and international travel. This experience significantly enhanced his readiness for future leadership roles, including Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge of the Dignitary Protective Division (2014-2016) and the Washington Field Office (2016-2018). In these capacities, he led rapid response teams to critical incidents across Washington, D.C., and the broader National Capital Region, further solidifying his command and tactical expertise.
In 2018, Curran’s career trajectory continued upwards with his promotion to Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Division. In this elevated position, he assumed direct oversight and responsibility for the protection of multiple high-profile individuals. He was also instrumental in reviewing, analyzing, and enhancing comprehensive security plans for the President’s various residences. Concurrent with his rising responsibilities, Curran completed the Secret Service’s rigorous Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program, earning a Key Executive Leadership Certificate Program from American University, underscoring his commitment to professional development and leadership excellence.
Director Curran holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Training and Development from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, further demonstrating his commitment to leadership and organizational excellence. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stockton University in Galloway Township, New Jersey, providing a strong academic foundation for his distinguished career in public service and as the head of secret service.
