Kenneth Gantt

Deputy Director, Office of Biometric Identity Management

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Kenneth D. Gantt is the Deputy Director of the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) within the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). OBIM, formerly the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) Program, is the lead entity in the DHS for biometric identity management services across Government. Mr. Gantt’s responsibilities include working with OBIM’s customers, stakeholders and DHS mission partners to expand the program’s services to ensure a safe, secure, and resilient homeland.

Previously, Mr. Gantt served as Assistant Director of US-VISIT’s Program Integration and Mission Services Division where he led the delivery of all projects, policy development, information sharing, and biometric and biographic services. This included coordination and management of the exchange of biometric, biographic, and immigration data between
Government agencies.

Before joining US-VISIT, Mr. Gantt was the Deputy Director of Operations for the U.S. Army Biometrics Identity Management Agency (BIMA) and the Site Manager for Clarksburg, WV, and surrounding area facilities. He managed the Department of Defense Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) in support of U.S. military operations. He also oversaw the development of a system to support business processes and functions across multiple disciplines in support of force protection, and the coordination of support to military operations. Prior to this, he served as BIMA’s Chief for the Strategic Integration and Operations Support Divisions.

A retired lieutenant colonel, Mr. Gantt commanded a field artillery battalion with the Third Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and he has held command and staff positions at varying levels during his career. His assignments have included the positions of Strategic Planner, Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army; Chief, Operations Center, NATO Southeast Regional Command Headquarters; Chief, Combat Plans Branch, U.S. Forces in Japan; Battalion Executive Officer and Operations Officer, First Cavalry Division; Middle East Political-Military Analyst, Defense Intelligence Agency; and U.N. Military Observer, U.N. Truce Supervision Organization, in the Middle East. Over the course of his military career, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with “Valor” Device, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Mr. Gantt received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from John Carroll University in 1983 and a master’s degree in Near Eastern studies from Princeton University in 1994.

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