Patricia Collins Makes History as First Woman to Lead Bureau of Engraving and Printing

The U.S. Treasury Department has appointed Patricia "Patty" S. Collins as the first female director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) in its 162-year history. Collins, a retired U.S. Army colonel with extensive experience in leadership and operations, will oversee the BEP's operations, including the production of U.S. currency and other secure documents.

Patricia Collins Appointed Director of Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Making History

Washington, D.C. - The United States Department of the Treasury has appointed Patricia "Patty" S. Collins as the 27th Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). This historic appointment marks the first time a woman has led the bureau in its 162-year history.

Collins brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role. With decades of senior federal service and a distinguished 24-year career in the U.S. Army, she has a proven track record of success in high-stakes environments.

"Patty's service to our country reflects mission-focused leadership and a strong commitment to public service," said U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. "We are confident that she will lead the talented people of the BEP to continued excellence."

Prior to joining the BEP, Collins served as Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO). In this role, she oversaw the operations of the publishing office, including the production of critical documents such as the U.S. passport, Congressional Record, and Federal Register.

Collins also played a key role in developing and implementing the GPO's strategy for secure federal credentials. This work involved coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies to ensure the integrity of government-issued identification documents.

Before her tenure at the GPO, Collins was a Principal Consultant at the McChrystal Group. There, she focused on leadership development and guided clients through complex challenges in both the public and private sectors.

Collins' military career was marked by groundbreaking achievements. As one of a small number of women to serve in Special Operations, she became the first woman in the Department of Defense to complete the Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Course.

During her 24 years of service, Collins deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans. In 2006, while riding her bicycle to work, she was struck by a car, resulting in the amputation of her leg below the knee. With unwavering determination, she continued to serve in the military for nine more years, including a deployment to Afghanistan and battalion command. She retired from active duty in 2015 with the rank of Colonel.

In 2016, Collins represented the United States at the Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the sport of triathlon. Her resilience and athleticism serve as an inspiration to all who know her.

Collins holds a Master of Science degree from the Eisenhower School, National Defense University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University. She is a native of Hackettstown, New Jersey.

"It's an honor to be joining the Bureau of Engraving and Printing," said Director Collins. "In my previous role at the GPO, I had the privilege of working closely with the BEP and was consistently impressed by the organization's high standards and talented workforce. I am particularly excited to lead the Bureau during this transformative time, with the construction of our new manufacturing facility in Washington, D.C., and the introduction of our new family of trusted and secure banknotes."

Collins assumes her new role at a critical juncture for the BEP. The bureau is responsible for producing the nation's currency, postage stamps, and other secure documents. In recent years, the BEP has faced ongoing challenges, including counterfeiting and cybersecurity threats. Collins' experience in leadership, security, and innovation will be invaluable as the bureau navigates these challenges and ensures the integrity of the nation's financial system.

The Treasury Department and the BEP are confident that Collins will lead the bureau to new heights of excellence. Her appointment is a testament to the department's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and her leadership will inspire the bureau's employees to continue their mission of producing secure and trusted documents for the American people.