Jon DeLena brings over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, investigations, and security to his role as Senior Managing Director at Guidepost. Specializing in complex investigations, Mr. DeLena has a distinguished history of leadership and accomplishments. His career includes conducting intricate domestic and international investigations and holding pivotal leadership positions, culminating in his role as Associate Administrator of the DEA, the agency’s #3 position worldwide.
As the DEA’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. DeLena oversaw all business operations, where he provided transformative leadership grounded in practical execution for the DEA, an organization with 10,000 employees and 330 offices in 70 countries. Mr. DeLena steered all business, financial, and administrative functions while he took the lead in building a more efficient, resilient, and future ready operation to advance the agency’s mission and increase its impact, both in the United States and around the world. He leveraged his decades of experience in investigative leadership to implement business-minded solutions that allowed the DEA to better address threats, mitigate risk, and ensure compliance.
Mr. DeLena transformed the DEA’s congressional and media divisions to expand awareness of the DEA’s mission and goals, expanding visibility and inspiring action among government officials and members of the public, while overseeing matters related to the media, public affairs, government relations, and community outreach.
Mr. DeLena’s investigative successes have leveraged both traditional law enforcement methods and cutting-edge technologies. His career has been marked by a steadfast dedication to community protection and the DEA’s mission, driven by a relentless work ethic and a commitment to justice and public service.
During the height of the fentanyl crisis, Mr. DeLena was instrumental in creating the DEA Family Summits on Fentanyl and the Faces of Fentanyl memorial at DEA Headquarters. These initiatives provide critical support and resources to affected families and have inspired other federal agencies to replicate DEA’s efforts.