Mercyhurst names veteran intelligence leader Ted Stanich to head esteemed Intelligence Studies program
Mercyhurst University is pleased to announce the appointment of Ted Stanich as executive director of its nationally recognized Intelligence Studies program. A distinguished federal service veteran, Stanich brings over three decades of leadership experience in law enforcement, intelligence, critical infrastructure protection, national and homeland security, and emergency response to his new role.
Stanich currently serves as Associate Administrator for National Security at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where he directs the Federal Intelligence Coordination Office and acts as the agency’s Federal Senior Intelligence Coordinator. In this capacity, he leads strategic efforts to integrate foreign intelligence, cyber intelligence, and law enforcement intelligence, along with private sector intelligence entities to protect critical infrastructure and agency assets. He also supports emergency preparedness and resilience efforts and oversees key security functions, including insider threat mitigation, defensive counterintelligence, research security, and operations security.
Stanich assumes his duties at Mercyhurst in August.
Stanich’s appointment was announced at a press conference on Thursday, April 24, at 11 a.m. in Mercyhurst’s Center for Academic Engagement. Among the guests were Gov. Tom Ridge, after whom the university’s program takes its name: the Thomas J. Ridge Department of Intelligence Studies. Joining him was his wife, Michele. Also in attendance were program founder Bob Heibel, longtime Intel leader Jim Breckenridge, and the most recent director, Lindy Smart.
Earlier in his career, Stanich spent more than 27 years with the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID), culminating in his role as Deputy Director. He played a central role in shaping the EPA’s post-9/11 homeland security strategy and was instrumental in establishing EPA's National Criminal Enforcement Response Team and EPA-CID's use of law enforcement intelligence.
“Ted Stanich is a proven leader in the intelligence and national security arenas whose career embodies the mission and values of Mercyhurst University,” said Mercyhurst President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D. “His extensive experience in public service, environmental intelligence, and interagency collaboration makes him uniquely suited to guide the continued evolution of our Intelligence Studies program. We are proud to welcome him to our community.”
Stanich expressed his enthusiasm for joining Mercyhurst and contributing to a program long regarded as a pioneer in intelligence education.
“I was drawn to Mercyhurst by its vision, mission, and deeply rooted values,” Stanich said. “As a lifelong public servant, I have great admiration for the university’s liberal arts tradition and its dedication to service. I’ve long respected the Intelligence Studies program for its forward-thinking approach to applied learning and its integration of emerging technologies. I’m honored to contribute to its legacy and help prepare students to lead in a complex and rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Stanich holds a Bachelor of Arts in Russian and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green State University, as well as a Master of Public Administration in Public Policy and Management from Ohio State University. He has also served as a federal instructor specializing in environmental crime, white-collar investigations, intelligence, emergency response, and homeland/national security.
“Ted Stanich brings an extraordinary depth of experience and a forward-looking vision that align perfectly with the goals of our Intelligence Studies program,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rich McCarty. “His leadership will not only strengthen our connections in the national security and intelligence sectors but also expand the real-world impact our students can make in those critical fields.”