Jeffery Randell began his time at SMEA while serving on active duty in the United States Coast Guard, and he continues that service today. Currently stationed in Key West, Florida, Jeffrey serves as the Director of Joint Interagency Task Force South, leading a multi-agency, international effort focused on countering illicit trafficking in the maritime domain.

In his current role, Jeffrey oversees coordinated operations among U.S. and partner nation agencies to detect, monitor, and interdict illegal narcotics trafficking bound for the United States. A recent milestone in 2025 underscores the scale and impact of this work: under his leadership, the task force helped seize more than one million pounds of cocaine destined for U.S.shores.

Jeffery’s career reflects the powerful intersection of marine policy, national security, and international collaboration, demonstrating how expertise in marine affairs can play a critical role in safeguarding both ocean spaces and communities.