Derek S. Maltz

Date Posted: July 2nd, 2025

Derek brings more than 30 years of expertise in law enforcement, national security, and international strategy. He leads global growth initiatives and strengthens partnerships across intelligence, defense, and public safety sectors. Previously, Maltz served as Penlink’s Executive Director of Government Relations and was appointed Acting Administrator of the DEA, where he directed global operations, managed a $3 billion budget, and advanced strategies to combat international drug trafficking and transnational crime, with a particular focus on disrupting the synthetic drug crisis fueling record overdose deaths.

Earlier, as Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Special Operations Division, Maltz grew partnerships from 9 to 30 agencies, played a central role in capturing Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, and established the Counter Narco-Terrorism Operations Center. A respected national security advisor and media commentator, he has received numerous honors, including the Presidential Rank Award. A Syracuse University graduate, devoted husband, and father of three, Maltz remains a passionate advocate for opioid awareness and prevention, continuing to champion public safety and resilience through education, innovation, and collaboration.