Marcus R. Anderson began his law enforcement career over 30 years ago, initially as a uniformed patrol officer with the Huntsville, Alabama Police Department. He subsequently joined the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 1998, where he served as a Federal Agent. During his tenure with the DEA, Marcus undertook a wide range of both domestic and foreign assignments across various regions, including the Latin America and Caribbean Special Operation’s Division, Belize, Ohio, Alabama, Louisiana, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Florida, and Kentucky. Notably, in recognition of his contributions to Kentucky, he was commissioned as an Honorary Colonel with the Kentucky State Police.

Throughout his career, Marcus held several significant roles within the DEA, including serving as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Special Operations Division. In this capacity, he supervised the largest multi-agency unit in the United States Government dedicated to combatting the world’s most prominent criminal organizations, operating across Mexico, Central America, Canada, and the United States. Later, Marcus assumed the responsibilities of Chief of Staff and Executive Officer for DEA’s Chief of Global Operations, who has operational oversight for all of DEA’s 239 domestic offices and 89 foreign offices. Marcus culminated his career with the DEA when he retired in July 2023, having held the position of Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the DEA Miami Division’s Orlando District Office, serving a population of over 4 million in Central Florida.

Marcus has been certified by the DEA in all aspects of clandestine laboratory manufacturing, along with Department of Defense training in weapons of mass destruction. Marcus is a subject matter expert regarding fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, and is an accredited United States Government Instructor, having delivered subject matter briefings to law enforcement and governmental leaders worldwide, particularly on topics related to drug trends such as fentanyl and other dangerous synthetic substances.

In terms of education, Marcus holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Athens State University, a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice from the University of Virginia, and a master’s degree in public safety, also from the University of Virginia. He recently graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy, Session 282.

Currently, Marcus is deeply honored to serve the people of Virginia in his role as Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, where he also serves as a special advisor to Governor Youngkin on opioid interdiction and related responses to the fentanyl epidemic. His primary focus is to establish a robust platform that fosters collaborative partnerships and, ultimately, enhances public safety within the communities he serves.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Marcus finds joy in spending quality time with his wife, three children, and their beloved five-pound Yorkie, along with cherished family and friends.