Richard W. Kollmar—Assistant Special Agent in Charge

Richard W. Kollmar—Assistant Special Agent in Charge

Richard W. Kollmar was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Graduate Studies in the Behavioral Psychology Program.

In 1985, the FBI appointed Mr. Kollmar to a special agent position. Following training at the FBI's Academy in Quantico Virginia, he investigated violent crimes while assigned to the FBI's Louisville Division. In 1991, Mr. Kollmar was transferred to the FBI's New York Field Office and assigned to the Counterintelligence Division. During this assignment Mr. Kollmar became an undercover certified agent and worked in a variety of counterintelligence operations. From 1997 to 2000, Mr. Kollmar was assigned to a long-term, covert operation that yielded one of the most significant, high level penetrations of a hostile foreign intelligence service in U.S. history.

In September 2002, Mr. Kollmar was promoted to supervisory special agent in New York's Counterintelligence Division. He was promoted in November 2005 to an assistant section chief at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Kollmar is considered one the FBI's foremost experts on Russian intelligence. He has lectured at Quantico, the CIA, and in 16 foreign countries on intelligence matters. Mr. Kollmar has received numerous awards, including the FBI Director's Award, the Attorney Generals Award for Outstanding National Security Investigation, and the CIA's Medal of Distinction.

In November 2007, Director Mueller promoted Mr. Kollmar to assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's Buffalo Field Office, where he provides oversight for the counterterrorism, counterintelligence, intelligence, special operations, security, and SWAT programs.