Kurt Thielhorn

Kurt H. Thielhorn is currently a Confidential Assistant and Policy Advisor to the Louisiana State Fire Marshal. He retired from the U.S. government in the Senior Executive Service as the Deputy Assistant Director, Field Operations - East, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). In this role, he had oversight of all ATF field divisions and offices in the eastern United States. Prior to that appointment he was the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the New Orleans Field Division responsible for ATF offices and operations throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas.  Prior to his appointment as the head of the New Orleans Field Division, Mr. Thielhorn served as the Special Agent in Charge of the St. Paul Field Division overseeing ATF offices in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.  As the Deputy Assistant Director, and as a SAC, he was responsible for ensuring that ATF fulfills its mission to investigate and protect the public from violent federal crimes involving firearms, explosives, and arson, and to provide support to our law enforcement and community partners.

Mr. Thielhorn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Political Science from James Madison University, and a Master of Arts degree in Communication from Western Kentucky University. He received a Professional Certificate from American University Key Executive Leadership Program, as well as a Professional Certificate from the Yale School of Management for Executive Education.