A passion to learn American Sign Language (ASL) brought Cheryl McCrary ’83 (Political Science) to Cal State Northridge. Growing up in South Los Angeles, McCrary dreamed of becoming a legal interpreter for the deaf. She never imagined that combining interpreting classes and a political science major would lead to her meteoric career in federal law enforcement.

In November 2009, McCrary was named Director of the Office of Investigations for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). An independent but integral part of the NRC, the Office of Investigations (OI) is charged with conducting investigations as part of the agencies’ regulatory responsibility for protecting public health, safety and the environment by ensuring safe operation of the nation’s 104 nuclear reactors and other commercial uses of nuclear materials.

“Right now,” said McCrary, “there is an anticipated nuclear renaissance in conjunction with the 2005 Energy Policy Act, which calls for the building of more nuclear reactors to supplement the nation’s energy needs.

“We ensure that any reports of potential wrongdoing are investigated in a timely, thorough and credible manner by NRC OI special agents working with the technical staff.”

Prior to joining the NRC, the law enforcement executive enjoyed a long career (1984-2000) and a multitude of assignments with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Secret Service. Her last assignments with the Secret Service were in the Major Events Division and as a special agent on the Vice Presidential Protection Division protecting former Vice President Al Gore.

McCrary is a graduate of the Senior Executive Services Candidate Development Program, an 18-month program that prepares candidates for successful careers in the senior executive ranks of the federal government.

“Throughout my career, I have identified people of integrity and commitment in leadership positions and asked them to serve as my mentors,” she said.

Her career path has taken her from days spent signing with deaf friends and students in Sierra Quad to the heart of Washington, D.C. but McCrary tries to stay fluent in ASL by signing whenever the opportunity presents itself. She also encourages college graduates to take advantage of careers in the federal government and law enforcement.

“Post 9/11,” she said, “specialized forensics occupations and federal law enforcement are always looking for qualified people and the minimum requirement is a four-year degree.”

The NRC, which currently employs about 4,000 people, has been voted the best work place in the federal government for two years running.

“Throughout my career, every day in federal law enforcement has been different and interesting,” observed McCrary. “No two days are ever the same.”

— Julia Venkateswaran

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