Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Appointment of Marcus Anderson as Secretary of Public Safety and H

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today the appointment of Deputy Secretary Marcus Anderson as Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, replacing outgoing Secretary Terrance “Terry” Cole, who was sworn in yesterday as the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration.  

“Over the past two years, Terry Cole has led Virginia’s public safety efforts with distinction, resolve, and unwavering commitment,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “From dismantling violent criminal networks to combatting human trafficking and disrupting the flow of deadly drugs into our communities, Cole’s leadership has made Virginia safer. I have every confidence he will bring the same courage, integrity, and tenacity to his new national role as DEA Administrator.” 

“I am honored to announce Marcus Anderson as Virginia’s next Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security,” Governor Youngkin continued. “Marcus has been a driving force in our administration’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis and take the fentanyl epidemic head-on. With over three decades of law enforcement experience spanning local, state, and federal levels—and his recent leadership as Deputy Secretary—he brings extensive expertise and a deep dedication to keeping Virginians safe. He’s the right leader at the right time to continue Secretary Cole’s great work.” 

“I’m honored by Governor Youngkin’s trust and confidence in me to lead the Secretariat of Public Safety and Homeland Security. I am looking forward to continuing to advance our public safety priorities through focused collaboration across local, state, and federal law enforcement, and with our community partners. Together, we will continue to confront pressing issues like gang violence and fentanyl to build a safer Commonwealth,” said Secretary Anderson.  

Marcus R. Anderson began his law enforcement career over 30 years ago as a uniformed patrol officer with the Huntsville, Alabama Police Department. He subsequently joined the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Federal Agent in 1998. 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 covering Mexico, Central America, and Canada. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and is a subject matter expert on fentanyl and other global threats along with being an accredited United States Government Instructor. As Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, Marcus Anderson has served as a special advisor to Governor Youngkin on opioid interdiction and related responses to the fentanyl epidemic.

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