Executive Women

Ellen McClain recently completed in January 2019, a three year term as a Special Assistant and rehired annuitant with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, returning to the agency where she began her government career more than three decades ago. Prior to retiring in 2015, she served the Department of Homeland Security as Deputy Assistant Secretary (Transborder Security) from 2012-2015 and as Assistant General Counsel (Enforcement) from 2003-2012. Ms. McClain was the Deputy Associate Chief Counsel (Enforcement) for the U.S. Customs Service from 1985-2002 and Deputy Assistant General Counsel (Enforcement) at the Department of Treasury. Ms. McClain holds degrees from Duke University (B.A), Vermont Law School (J.D.), and Georgetown University Law Center (L.L.M.)

Detailed to the White House in 2003 to assist in setting up the Department of Homeland Security, she led a small team of attorneys and, for her efforts, was nominated by the General Counsel and endorsed by the Deputy Secretary for the Federal Bar Association’s Transportation Attorney of the Year. During her career she received multiple awards from the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Customs. In 2008, she was honored with the General Counsel’s Award for Extraordinary Achievement in National Security Law or Homeland Security Law.

In addition to serving as President of Executive Women in Government, Ms. McClain is a member of the advisory board for Interages, a non-profit organization offering intergenerational programs throughout the community. Since 2015, she has also participated as a Court Appointed Special Advocate to support and improve the lives of children coming into the social services system.

Deborah Leben has been privileged to serve for over 20 years in the federal government with the U.S. Secret Service in senior leadership and technical positions to advance national and international forensic science initiatives. As the Laboratory Director and Supervisory Forensic Scientist, Deborah led research studies and fostered strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia to expand enterprise programs in forensic analyses and evidence operations. She has traveled internationally and initiated cooperative agreements to cultivate shared services with law enforcement and academic partners. Over her career, Deborah has served in 30+ volunteer positions to empower women and children, and advance cancer research and criminal justice services. She enjoys traveling often to Cleveland, Ohio to visit friends and family.

Ms. Morgan currently works in the acquisition management office at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in Washington, DC. Responsibilities include operations of contract administration and policy development, semiannual contract reviews, and responses to Management and Department reporting inquiries. Prior to working at the OCC, Ms. Morgan served as a Lead Contract Specialist at Indian Health Services and Procurement Analyst in the Office of the Senior Procurement Executive at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) working on a wide range of high-visibility, department-wide acquisition policy initiatives. Prior to HHS, she served as a Contracting Officer at the Federal Aviation Administration with experience in the procurement of high-dollar IT contracts, managing both pre- and post-award functions. Ms. Morgan began her career in the Federal Government as an Acquisition Management Intern at the Department of Interior after 20 years in radio broadcast sales. She also served as a member of the FAR Technology Team, OFPP’s Service Acquisition Inventory Interagency Working Group, and served as the 2017 NCMA Vice President of Programs, Washington D.C. Chapter. Ms. Morgan received the 2013 NCMA Outstanding Academic Achievement Award and a Master of Science Management Degree in Federal Acquisition and Contract Management from Catholic University in 2014. She has authored two articles on acquisition that were published in the April 2014 NCMA Contract Management magazine and the 2013 NCMA Journal. In her leisure time, Ms. Morgan likes to work out, travel, tour art museums, attend Broadway musicals, and scout the latest fashions. Ms. Morgan brings a wealth of knowledge in acquisition operations and policy, and EWG is excited to have her join our team!

Mrs. Ashley Freitas currently works at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the newest Agency at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Ashley is a Senior Planning and Programs Analyst currently working on the governance, strategy, policy, and plans of CISA becoming as established independent Agency in addition to high-profile projects such as the cybersecurity for the 2020 election and national census. In 2020 Ashley will work closely with the National Security Council (NSC) on policy related matters. Ashley has been the recipient of various performance, special act, and merit awards. Prior to working at CISA, Ashley worked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of the Air Force, city government, and the private sector. Ashley has her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and holds certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Contracting Officer Representative (COR), Strategic Workforce Planner (SWP), open water scuba diver, and Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Ashley started her own company as a personal finance coach and prepares tax returns for individuals and businesses in her spare time. In her leisure time, Ashley enjoys physical activities with Team Red, White, and Blue, playing the ukulele and piano, being tourist around D.C., enjoys having no pets and no kids while she and her husband constantly travel, and spoil their nieces and nephews in their native California. Ashley volunteers as a Wish Granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is looking forward to volunteering with the EWG.