Regina Lombardo

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT REGINA LOMBARDO

Regina Lombardo is the Chief Security Officer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET), located on New York City’s prestigious Museum Mile. A native New Yorker, Lombardo grew up visiting The MET, often sitting on its iconic steps, dreaming of the future. Today, she leads the security operations of the very institution that shaped her early aspirations.In her role, Lombardo oversees the protection of 21 landmark buildings, including The MET Cloisters Museum and Gardens, safeguarding priceless works of art and welcoming millions of visitors from around the world. She is revolutionizing the way The MET approaches security, integrating state-of-the-art AI technologies, predictive analytics, and advanced threat detection systems to ensure the safety of one of the world’s most iconic cultural institutions. Her leadership extends to securing high-profile global events hosted at The MET -the MET Gala -which attract international attention, dignitaries, and cultural influencers.Lombardo brings decades of elite law enforcement experience to her position. She is the former Acting Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), where she began her career as a Special Agent in Miami. Her distinguished service includes diplomatic assignments at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto, tackling cross-border firearms trafficking, and leadership roles in New York City and Miami before ascending to the agency’s top position in Washington, D.C.In 2018, Lombardo made history as the first woman nominated to lead ATF by U.S. Attorney General William Barr—a moment she calls the greatest honor of her life. Her tenure was marked by resilience and decisive leadership, especially during the 2020 civil unrest and global pandemic, when she directed the largest operational deployment in ATF history.Leadership Philosophy: Heart and SwordLombardo’s leadership is grounded in her “Heart and Sword” philosophy—a powerful blend of compassionate authenticity and strategic decisiveness. She believes that true leadership begins from within: leading with empathy, integrity, and emotional intelligence, while wielding the strength and clarity needed to make bold decisions in moments of crisis. This philosophy guided her through some of the most challenging periods in federal law enforcement and continues to shape her approach to cultural security at The MET. Now back in her hometown, Lombardo continues to lead with vision and purpose, ensuring that The MET remains a beacon of culture, safety, and innovation for generations to come.