Gary Owen

Gary Owen is the Associate Administrator and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, where he oversees agency-wide enterprise operations spanning information technology, human resources, financial management, compliance, public affairs, and enterprise modernization. In this role, he is responsible for aligning DEA’s internal services with its operational mission and driving the reforms necessary to support the agency’s enforcement priorities against global drug trafficking networks.

Gary brings more than 28 years of DEA experience to the position. He began his career as an intelligence analyst before becoming a Special Agent, leading high-impact task forces and pioneering investigations, including one of DEA’s earliest major cases targeting precursor chemical diversion. He went on to serve in senior executive service roles, directing the offices of Congressional and Public Affairs, Inspections and Audit, and Professional Responsibility, where he led efforts to modernize operations, strengthen internal accountability, and advance workforce integrity during periods of heightened oversight and organizational change.

Between his DEA tours, Gary spent two years in the private sector developing cutting-edge technical solutions for security, defense, and government clients. His work in fraud analytics, investigative platforms, and data fusion gave him a distinctive perspective on how innovation and emerging technologies can improve public-sector performance. He now leverages that blend of operational credibility, strategic leadership, and technology insight to ensure DEA has the tools, talent, and infrastructure needed to protect American communities and support employees in the field and at headquarters.