Dr. TeNeane Bradford is a seasoned executive whose career reflects over two decades of exemplary leadership across homeland security, emergency management, criminal justice, and public safety reform. With a powerful blend of strategic foresight, operational precision, and a deeply rooted ethical compass, Dr. Bradford has made an indelible impact on federal and state-level programs that shape national resilience and security infrastructure. Her story is one of unwavering dedication to public service, innovation in the face of adversity, and a commitment to elevating communities through inclusive leadership and transformational change.
Currently serving as Acting Director of the Office of Grants Administration at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Dr. Bradford oversees a $3 billion annual grant portfolio that addresses some of the most pressing threats to American safety—from terrorism and cyberattacks to natural disasters and emergency preparedness. Her role involves directing multi-disciplinary teams, advising senior federal officials, and ensuring operational excellence through cutting-edge program design, compliance oversight, and data-driven strategic planning. She brings an expert lens to crisis management, emergency response, and public safety modernization, acting as a critical voice in shaping homeland security grant policy.
Before FEMA, Dr. Bradford spent 14 years at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), where she held numerous high-impact leadership positions, including Associate Administrator of the State & Tribal Relations & Assistance Division within the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). In that capacity, she spearheaded juvenile justice reforms and compliance efforts across all 50 states and territories, aligning grant-funded programs with core protection standards while fostering deep relationships with federal advisory committees, state directors, and national training teams. Her tenure also included a key role as Acting Assistant Director in the DOJ’s COPS Office, where she managed a $400 million budget and executed strategic transformations that boosted grant program performance and workforce retention.
Dr. Bradford’s influence extends well beyond operational leadership—she is an architect of national collaboration, skilled in bringing together diverse coalitions to address complex social issues. Her background includes establishing reintegration frameworks for juvenile offenders, launching gang intervention initiatives, and expanding technical training programs across federal agencies. At the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, where she served as Re-entry Director, Dr. Bradford managed statewide efforts to reintegrate justice-involved youth, developing evidence-based practices and securing funding for critical community programs.
Equipped with a Ph.D. in Human Services with a concentration in Criminal Justice from Capella University, a Master’s in Business Management and Human Resources from Webster University, and a dual Bachelor’s in Religious Studies and Psychology from the University of South Carolina, Dr. Bradford brings a multidisciplinary approach to leadership. Her academic work—particularly her dissertation on juvenile recidivism—mirrors her lifelong dedication to building equitable, sustainable systems that prioritize rehabilitation and resilience.
In every phase of her career, Dr. Bradford has exemplified integrity, inclusivity, and visionary leadership. Whether guiding organizational culture shifts, advocating for marginalized communities, or driving fiscal accountability in billion-dollar grant programs, she consistently elevates the mission and morale of the agencies she serves. Her numerous accolades, including the DOJ’s Distinguished Service Award and statewide recognition from juvenile justice entities, are a testament to her far-reaching impact.
A published author, national speaker, certified mediator, and advocate for restorative justice, Dr. Bradford remains a compelling force in shaping the future of public service. Through keynote speeches at bipartisan conventions, international policing training programs, and leadership development workshops, she continues to inspire the next generation of justice reformers and public safety leaders.
Dr. Bradford’s legacy is one of purpose, passion, and progress. Her journey—spanning community-based youth programs to federal policy reform—illustrates that true leadership is rooted not just in authority, but in empathy, resilience, and the drive to make systems work better for the people they serve.
Character
Dr. TeNeane Bradford exemplifies integrity, resilience, and compassion, leading with an unwavering commitment to justice, public service, and inclusive leadership that uplifts communities and empowers teams. Her professional journey reflects a deep-rooted dedication to ethical decision-making and transformational change in the most high-pressure, politically complex environments.
Knowledge
With over two decades of senior leadership across federal, state, and community sectors, Dr. Bradford brings profound expertise in emergency management, homeland security, juvenile justice, and grants administration, underpinned by a Ph.D. in Human Services and extensive certifications in program oversight and policy implementation. Her scholarship and applied experience inform strategic solutions that address systemic challenges in public safety and community resilience.
Strategic
Dr. Bradford excels at developing forward-thinking strategies that align national security priorities with on-the-ground implementation, managing multi-billion-dollar grant portfolios, leading organizational change, and crafting sustainable frameworks for long-term impact. Her ability to synthesize data, policy, and stakeholder engagement positions her as a visionary leader capable of steering mission-critical initiatives through dynamic operational landscapes.
Communication
An influential communicator and trusted advisor to federal executives, legislators, and community leaders, Dr. Bradford navigates complex discussions with clarity, empathy, and purpose. Her skill in building consensus, mentoring diverse teams, and representing agencies at national conferences and global initiatives underscores her strength in driving collaboration and inspiring action at all levels.
