Mr. Dinesen oversees the mission assurance, security, and law enforcement efforts for the Department of Veterans Affairs by leading and integrating the Department’s emergency management, national security, personnel and physical security, and law enforcement activities. These efforts aid to prevent and mitigate degradation of VA services to Veterans and employees, as well as to support federal response efforts for all hazard incidents. Previously, he served as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness.
Prior to working at VA, Mr. Dinesen served as Chief of Staff in the Office of Defense Programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration. He oversaw the coordination of Congressional reports, the development and issuance of directives across the nuclear enterprise, and the management of classified correspondence in coordination with the National Security Council. He played a key role in high-level engagements on behalf of the Deputy Administrator and managed the office’s $158 million Corporate Assessment fund, ensuring continued support for mission-critical programs across the Nuclear Security Enterprise. Mr. Dinesen’s leadership was instrumental in maintaining continuity and operational efficiency across headquarters, field offices, production facilities, and design laboratories, plants and sites. He joined the agency following his retirement from the United States Air Force, where he served for over twenty-three years and retired at the rank of Colonel. His final military assignment was as Director of Complaints Resolution in the Office of the Inspector General at the Pentagon.
Throughout his military career, Mr. Dinesen held four command positions and served in five assignments at the Pentagon. His military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Air Force Combat Action Medal, and several additional personal, unit, service and campaign honors. He is a Life Member of both the Military Officers Association of America and the Safeside Association.