The Wire · CalGunHub

Kristen E. de Tineo Assumes Role as ATF Deputy Director

Published November 1, 2026 · Updated November 1, 2026

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives named Kristen E. de Tineo as its second-in-command in May 2026 following her extensive career in federal law enforcement.

Written by the CalGunHub desk from public reporting

Who this affects: The appointment of a new Deputy Director could influence the administrative priorities and regulatory enforcement strategies of the ATF nationwide, including within California. Because de Tineo previously served in the Los Angeles Field Division, her familiarity with the state's specific enforcement environment might inform how the agency allocates resources to California operations. Any shifts in federal regulatory focus would apply to federal firearms licensees operating in the state.

In May 2026, Kristen E. de Tineo assumed the role of Deputy Director for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. According to the ATF, this appointment makes her the second highest-ranking executive within the federal agency.

Before taking on this leadership position, de Tineo held multiple senior roles at the bureau. The agency notes that she previously worked as an Assistant Director managing the Office of Professional Responsibility and Security Operations. In that capacity, she functioned as the Chief Security Officer, overseeing nationwide internal affairs and use-of-force inquiries. Her security portfolio covered more than 5,000 employees across 25 field divisions, two laboratories, and hundreds of satellite locations.

De Tineo also brings experience from her time leading the Office of Field Operations as an Assistant Director. The ATF states that she directed regulatory and criminal enforcement activities across the country, supervising over 4,200 personnel, including Special Agents and Industry Operations Investigators. During this period, she managed headquarters programs such as the Firearms Operations Division and the National Center for Explosives Training and Research.

Her career with the bureau began as a Special Agent assigned to the Washington Field Division. Notably for California residents, the ATF reports that she spent part of her career stationed at the Los Angeles Field Division. While working there, she spent 11 years operating as a Tactical Medic on the agency's Special Response Team. Her subsequent promotions included serving as the Special Agent in Charge for the Chicago Field Division and the Assistant Special Agent in Charge within the Washington Field Division.

Prior to her federal law enforcement career, de Tineo served as an officer in the United States Navy Nurse Corps. She holds a nursing degree from Marquette University and a master's degree in homeland security from George Washington University.

Informational only, not legal advice. Facts are attributed to the sources listed above.