Regina Lombardo serves as Chief Security Officer of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), one of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions. A native New Yorker, she grew up visiting The Met and spending time on its iconic steps—never imagining that she would one day return to safeguard the museum she loved as a child.

In her role, Lombardo is responsible for the safety and protection of The Met’s 21 facilities, including The Met Cloisters and gardens. She leads a world-class security team dedicated to protecting priceless works of art and ensuring a safe experience for millions of visitors each year. Recognizing the evolving nature of global security threats, she has introduced advanced technologies and innovative strategies to strengthen the museum’s resilience. Under her leadership, the security department has undergone a strategic restructuring, adopting specialized roles, enhanced protocols, and integrated systems designed to protect both collections and people.

Her responsibilities extend to managing security for some of the world’s most high-profile events, including the annual Met Gala and the White House reception for international leaders attending the UN General Assembly. Lombardo’s vision is to position her team as a global model in museum security, blending innovation, preparedness, and excellence in protective services.

Before joining The Met, Lombardo had a distinguished career at the U.S. Department of Justice, where she served as Acting Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Beginning her career as a Special Agent in Miami, she went on to hold a series of leadership positions across the United States and abroad. She oversaw firearms trafficking investigations at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto, led major field offices in New York City and Tampa, and ultimately became the first woman to lead ATF when she was nominated by U.S. Attorney General William Barr in 2018.

Her tenure at ATF coincided with unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 civil unrest. During this period, she oversaw the largest operational deployment in the agency’s history. Lombardo credits her “Heart and Sword” leadership philosophy—balancing compassion with decisiveness—as the foundation of her success in guiding the agency through crisis.

Lombardo earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminal Law, with a minor in Education, from the University of South Florida. She is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including Women in Federal Law Enforcement, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Major City Chiefs, and the Smithsonian Executive Board for Cultural Properties.