Senior Vice President of Security for the NFL

Cathy Lanier grew up the youngest of three, without a father, and became a mother at the age of 15. She went on to receive two masters, the title of Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, and now the very first female Senior Vice President of Security for the National Football League. Find out why a simple glance at her new born son was the catalyst for her determination to work hard, continue to learn and find the courage to tackle some of our countries most challenging issues.

To hear Women to Watch™ Media’s interview with Cathy and learn more about her story, listen below.

Full Biography

Cathy Lanier was hired as the Senior Vice President of Security for the National Football League (NFL) in September 2016.  In this capacity, Ms. Lanier oversees all security operations for the League to include investigative affairs, compliance with the Federal government’s SAFETY Act, and NFL venue, fan, player, staff and infrastructure security for all 32 clubs.

Prior to joining the League, she spent 27 years with the Metropolitan Police Department, beginning in 1990.  Her police experience ranged from uniformed patrol where she served as a Commanding Officer in different districts throughout the city, as well as Commanding Officer of Narcotics and Vehicular Homicide Units.  She was also Commanding Officer of the Special Operations Division where she managed Emergency Response team, Aviation and Harbor Units, Horse Mounted and Canine Units, Special Events / Dignitary Protection Branch and Civil Disturbance Units.  Ms. Lanier was also tapped as the first Commanding Officer of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Office of Homeland Security and Counter-Terrorism.

After assuming the leadership of the Metropolitan Police Department in January of 2007, she was confirmed as the Chief of Police in April, 2007 and held that position for 10 years.

Ms. Lanier is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Unit Commanders Academy.  She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Management from Johns Hopkins University, and a Master’s Degree in National Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.  She is certified at the technician level in Hazardous Materials Operations.