Kilgore Counters Threats to Protect the NIH Mission
Photo: Dana Talesnik
After Patrick Kilgore interviewed for an NIH position last year, he was surprised to learn NIH had selected him—for another position.
Kilgore had applied to be director of DPSAC, NIH’s Division of Personnel Security and Access Control, but when he arrived last summer, he became head of the newly created Office of Defensive Counterintelligence and Personnel Security (ODCPS).
NIH had long wanted to elevate its Defensive Counterintelligence and Insider Threat Program. When the Office of Research Services (ORS) leadership learned of Kilgore’s background and skillset, they realized he was the ideal person for the job.
“We’ve taken the insider threat program to another level,” said Kilgore. “Because I’m a trained federal investigator, we now are actually doing insider threat investigations.”
ODCPS conducts due diligence to make sure there are no illicit foreign connections or other threats in NIH’s transactions with outside organizations, businesses and individuals.
“When you think of counterintelligence or insider threats, that sounds scary,” Kilgore said. “But in reality, all we’re doing is coming up beside another program and helping them do their job in a safe environment, ensuring the grants we’re giving are going to the appropriate organizations, and that there is no threat of undue foreign influence.”
ODCPS has been successful in their efforts. “We’ve saved probably $380 million by preventing misappropriate activity,” he said.
“Part of my job is ensuring you have a safe place to work,” said Kilgore, who is devoted to helping safeguard NIH and its mission.
“NIH has such a great mission,” he said. “How could you not be motivated to come in every day and try making a difference?”
Kilgore’s office works with every NIH institute and center and partners with HHS’s Office of National Security to protect NIH intellectual property, personnel and facilities.
“There’s a real shift to look at national security in all of our processes to make sure we protect the scientific information that is so valuable,” he said. It’s a coordinated effort between intelligence monitoring and the physical protection provided by the ORS Divisions of Police, Emergency Management and Physical Security.
Photo: Chia-Chi Charlie Chang
Kilgore began his career with the U.S. Air Force where he served for 21 years, first in supply, intelligence operations, and then as a police officer. He finished his USAF service as a senior enlisted adviser for his military installation, working to ensure airmen were mission-ready to deploy.
“It was a blessing to be in that position,” he recounted, “and that mentality is what I carry over in everything I still do.”
Kilgore then joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), starting in the Buffalo, N.Y. field office and soon after relocating to Washington to become chief security officer (CSO) for FBI’s largest division—counterterrorism. For seven years, he was responsible for the safety of staff—physical, electronic, operational—wherever agents deployed. He went on to handle all high-risk adjudications. In that role, he worked with the polygraph unit, embassies, staff overseas and police around the country to support the FBI’s mission-critical tasks.
Ten years ago, Kilgore and his family moved back to his home state in Wisconsin to help care for his ailing father. There, he took a position as state director of the Department of Labor’s veterans employment and training service (VETS).
Six years ago, Kilgore retired. But last year, his wife encouraged him to find a job to get him out of the house. Auspiciously, he found NIH.
“I was very selective,” he said. “When this opportunity came with NIH, I knew it was meant to be. This is it! What we’re doing here is amazing work.”
To the NIH community, Kilgore reminds everyone to stay vigilant and be careful with whom you interact.
“Be cognizant of individuals who contact you over email or social media,” Kilgore said. “Be aware of who you’re talking to and sharing information with. We advance science by collaboration; we just have to make sure we know who is seeking to collaborate with us.”
Kilgore is grateful for the opportunity to help keep NIH safe.
“I wanted to do something where I feel like I’m really making a difference,” he said, adding that everyone at NIH should feel proud of their contributions. From the janitor to the mail carrier to the program officer, everyone at NIH “plays a part in bringing about new science. We all play a role in bringing about change that affects the world.”