Joseph Wawro
Driven by his passion; powered by purpose, Joseph Wawro began serving our nation as an officer in the United States Army in 1988. Honored to lead soldiers in peacetime and in combat, he desired to continue his public servant journey by entering federal service upon transitioning from the military. Since 2019, he has excelled as the Director of the Joint Requirements Council in the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Mr. Wawro has held various policy and strategic development positions, such as a combat tour as the Brigade Commander in Afghanistan, Chief of the Group for the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, I Corps Chief of Staff at Joint Base Lewis McChord, and the Senior Director for Defense, Policy, and Strategy within the National Security Council at The White House. He has been responsible for coordinating everything from training and battle-readiness for service members to inter-agency partnerships. He has drawn recognition for his in-depth understanding of military operations and his ability to create thoughtful and wide-ranging solutions. In short, he connects dots, drives processes, and achieves organizational objectives to produce results.
Long committed to public service, Mr. Wawro is active as a volunteer lecturer, talent management consultant, and mentor. He holds an Associates of Arts in mathematics from Wentworth Military Academy, a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Illinois, a Master of Arts from Embry-Riddle University, and one from the Naval War College in National Security. Eminently qualified in his field, he was selected as a Fellow of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Most recently, he earned an Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell University. In 2024, DHS selected Joe from over 900 SESs in the Department to attend the prestigious Vanguard Executive Leadership Program.
Mr. Wawro looks forward to continuing his focus in TSA and believes in its mission and the value of service to the nation. To attest to his accomplishments, he has earned numerous military decorations, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for Valor. Mr. Wawro has also been inducted into the 2020-2021 Who’s Who for Professionals In America (Government/Military).
He credits his success to serving a cause greater than oneself.