ATF Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

ATF has 7 executives leading key functions including operations, financial management, administrative coordination, information technology, and strategic oversight.

Committed to the protection of public safety, ATF executes federal law enforcement mandates to investigate violent crime and regulate the firearms and explosives industries across the United States.

Leadership Roles at ATF

  • Chief Financial Officer - Vivian Michalic
  • Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer - Marvin Richardson
  • President & Operator - Dawn Smith
  • Chief of Staff - Ernest Hickson
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Candle Turner-Pope
  • Senior Deputy Chief Information Officer, Fac, Cor-2 Office - John Zuber
  • Chief of Staff & Director, Office of - Justin Demaree
  • Vivian Michalic - Chief Financial Officer

    Vivian Michalic, the Chief Financial Officer at ATF, directs all fiscal planning and budgetary allocation for the agency. Managing the financial health of federal law enforcement programs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with government accounting standards. This role involves allocating resources to support investigations into illegal trafficking and violent crime. By implementing robust financial controls, Vivian Michalic secures the necessary funding for critical public safety initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer monitors expenditures across regional offices to maintain fiscal accountability. Through strategic financial forecasting, Michalic supports the long-term sustainability of agency operations. This leadership function requires precise management of complex federal budgets and grant distributions. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the economic foundation required for the agency to effectively regulate the firearms and explosives industries while protecting communities from criminal activity.

    Marvin Richardson - Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer

    Marvin Richardson, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer at ATF, manages the day-to-day operational activities of the entire agency. Overseeing the execution of federal law enforcement strategies, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer ensures that field agents possess the resources required to combat violent crime. This role involves directing large-scale investigations into arson and illegal firearms trafficking. By optimizing operational workflows, Marvin Richardson enhances the agency's ability to protect public safety across all regions. The Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer coordinates with federal and local partners to synchronize enforcement efforts. Through rigorous oversight of operational performance, Richardson maintains high standards of professional conduct. This leadership role requires constant assessment of tactical needs and resource deployment. Ultimately, the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer drives the agency's mission by ensuring that all operational units function with precision and effectiveness.

    Dawn Smith - President & Operator

    Dawn Smith, the President & Operator at ATF, directs the overarching mission and operational framework of the agency. Leading the strategic vision for federal law enforcement, the President & Operator ensures that all initiatives prioritize the reduction of violent crime and the regulation of explosives. This role involves setting the tone for agency-wide compliance and public safety standards. By fostering partnerships with international and domestic agencies, Dawn Smith expands the reach of enforcement efforts. The President & Operator oversees the implementation of long-term goals to address illegal trafficking and arson. Through decisive leadership, Smith maintains the integrity and reputation of the organization. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the complex regulatory environment governing firearms. Ultimately, the President & Operator drives the agency's success by aligning resources with the core mission of protecting the public from criminal threats.

    Ernest Hickson - Chief of Staff

    Ernest Hickson, the Chief of Staff at ATF, manages internal operations and coordinates high-level agency initiatives. Overseeing the integration of departmental workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between executive leadership and field operations. This role involves streamlining communication channels to support the investigation of violent crime and arson. By optimizing administrative processes, Ernest Hickson directly impacts the efficiency of federal law enforcement efforts. The Chief of Staff facilitates collaboration with state and local partners to enhance public safety outcomes. Through rigorous oversight of agency resources, Hickson maintains operational readiness across all jurisdictions. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of policy implementation and organizational performance. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff drives the strategic mission of the agency by fostering a cohesive environment for all personnel involved in the regulation of firearms and explosives industries.

    Candle Turner-Pope - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Candle Turner-Pope, the Deputy Chief of Staff at ATF, supports the execution of administrative priorities and organizational strategy. Assisting in the management of daily operations, the Deputy Chief of Staff coordinates cross-functional projects to address violent crime and arson. This role involves refining internal policies to improve the effectiveness of federal law enforcement investigations. By facilitating communication between executive leadership and operational units, Candle Turner-Pope ensures the seamless delivery of agency mandates. The Deputy Chief of Staff monitors project timelines to guarantee the timely completion of critical safety initiatives. Through careful analysis of operational data, Turner-Pope identifies opportunities for process improvement. This leadership position requires constant engagement with diverse stakeholders to maintain organizational focus. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief of Staff strengthens the agency's capacity to regulate the firearms and explosives industries through disciplined administrative support.

    John Zuber - Senior Deputy Chief Information Officer, Fac, Cor-2 Office

    John Zuber, the Senior Deputy Chief Information Officer, Fac, Cor-2 Office at ATF, architects the digital infrastructure supporting federal law enforcement investigations. Overseeing the modernization of information systems, the Senior Deputy Chief Information Officer, Fac, Cor-2 Office ensures secure data management for sensitive criminal intelligence. This role involves deploying advanced technology to track illegal trafficking and support arson investigations. By maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols, John Zuber protects the integrity of agency data across all national operations. The Senior Deputy Chief Information Officer, Fac, Cor-2 Office manages the integration of new software tools to enhance field agent capabilities. Through strategic investment in information technology, Zuber drives the digital transformation of the agency. This leadership role requires constant vigilance against emerging cyber threats. Ultimately, the Senior Deputy Chief Information Officer, Fac, Cor-2 Office provides the technological backbone necessary for effective regulation and public safety.

    Justin Demaree - Chief of Staff & Director, Office of

    Justin Demaree, the Chief of Staff & Director, Office of at ATF, leads the strategic direction and administrative functions of the office. Managing the daily operations of the department, the Chief of Staff & Director, Office of ensures that all activities align with federal law enforcement goals. This role involves overseeing the investigation of violent crime and the regulation of explosives industries. By coordinating with internal teams, Justin Demaree drives the implementation of agency-wide policies. The Chief of Staff & Director, Office of monitors performance metrics to ensure the achievement of public safety objectives. Through proactive leadership, Demaree fosters a culture of accountability and excellence within the office. This position requires deep knowledge of regulatory frameworks and criminal justice procedures. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff & Director, Office of supports the agency's mission by ensuring operational efficiency and strategic focus.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding ATF Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads ATF?
    ATF is led by Vivian Michalic (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Marvin Richardson (Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer) and Dawn Smith (President & Operator).
    Who is part of ATF’s executive team?
    The executive team of ATF includes leaders such as Vivian Michalic (Chief Financial Officer), Marvin Richardson (Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer), Dawn Smith (President & Operator) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does ATF have?
    ATF has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in ATF’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of ATF includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer, President & Operator, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff.