Michael A. Hughes

Michael A. Hughes served as the Director of INTERPOL Washington from 2021 – 2024. As Director, he served as the U.S. representative to INTERPOL, the world’s largest international criminal police organization, and its 196 member countries. He led all U.S. Government efforts to share and exchange criminal intelligence with INTERPOL and oversaw all personnel and assets dedicated to INTERPOL Washington’s mission of supporting domestic and international law enforcement and border security operations around the globe. In 2021, Hughes was elected by INTERPOL member countries to serve a three-year term as Delegate for the Americas Region on the INTERPOL Executive Committee. Prior to being appointed Director, Hughes served as Deputy Director and Acting Director since 2018.

Hughes has more than 34 years of experience in law enforcement, beginning his profession as a Deputy Marshal in the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS). During his career, he worked on a wide array of assignments including criminal investigations, protective operations, court security, asset forfeiture, tactical operations, training and human resources. His experience includes service as Chief Inspector in the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program; Deputy Assistant Director of Human Resources; and Chief of the Office of Crisis Services.

Mr. Hughes served as the United States Marshal in the District of Columbia from 2011 to 2018, appointed by the President of the United States, with U.S. Senate confirmation. Over the course of two consecutive presidential administrations, he was the senior executive responsible for leading the largest, busiest and most complex of all U.S. Marshals Service offices in protecting, defending and enforcing the American justice system in our nation’s Capital.

Mr. Hughes currently serves as the Executive Director for the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA). He also serves on multiple boards and advisory committees. He served in an executive capacity on many criminal justice task forces and academic committees including the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, and American University’s School of Public Affairs Key Executive Program. He also worked a Legislative Fellow in the U.S. Senate where he advised on policy issues in the areas of criminal justice, law enforcement, the judiciary and civil rights.

Mr. Hughes’ academic credentials include a Master of Public Administration degree from American University, a Legislative Fellowship from Georgetown University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Montclair State University, N.J.