Breaking through the bureaucratic glass ceiling, Patty Collins has been appointed as the first female Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), a historic move announced by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen, as reported by the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO). A seasoned leader with a military background, Collins was previously the Deputy Director of the GPO, where her command extended over significant operations including the production of U.S. passports and government publications.
Collins, leaving after almost four years at GPO's helm as second-in-command, expressed a sense of humor and leadership that has been acknowledged and praised by peers and colleagues. Her legacy includes supervising GPO's Plant Operations and leading the security of sensitive documents. With Collins' departure, Steve LeBlanc, the Chief of Staff, will step into her former role as the GPO Acting Deputy Director. Under her watch, the production of materials for the White House and Federal Agencies were never compromised.
"While I am sad to lose my partner in the GPO leadership team, I am thrilled for Patty and congratulate her on making history," GPO Director Hugh Nathanial Halpern stated. He went on to say, "I know from experience Patty’s leadership will be positive for BEP and the Nation." Halpern's commendation underlines the remarkable impact Collins has had on the agency and the expectations for her future contributions to the BEP.
Before her service at the GPO, Collins cut her teeth as a principal consultant at the McChrystal Group, after retiring as a Colonel from a notable 24-year career in the U.S. Army. Deployed to multiple conflict zones, such as Iraq and Afghanistan, she also blazed trails as one of the few women in Special Operations. Following a severe biking accident in 2006, while injured severely from being hit by a car, Collins chose to amputate her leg below the knee. Demonstrating resilience, she not only recovered but continued serving, which included another deployment to Afghanistan. Her unwavering spirit also took her to the 2016 Summer Paralympics, representing the United States in triathlon.
Born in Hackettstown, New Jersey, Collins holds academic credentials including a Master of Science from The Eisenhower School, National Defense University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University. As she steps into her new position at BEP, Collins brings with her a distinguished record of service and achievement that stands as a testament to her capacity for leadership in a historic role that has, until now, never been filled by a woman.
