Maureen Baginski

Maureen Baginski began her cryptologic career as a Russian-language instructor in 1979. She subsequently held operational-management roles at NSA, including senior positions in the National Security Operations Center and Russia-focused signals intelligence.

Crisis leadership

NSA records state that Baginski was Signals Intelligence Director during the September 11, 2001 attacks, directing the extended SIGINT enterprise’s production and dissemination. She later left NSA for a senior position at the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Legacy

Her career brings attention to the people and coordination systems behind the timely use of intelligence during a crisis.

Timeline

• 1979Begins cryptologic career as a Russian-language instructor.
• 2001Serves as NSA Signals Intelligence Director during the September 11 attacks.
• 2000sMoves from NSA to a senior FBI intelligence role.