Sean Sanders

Special Agent Sean Sanders serves in the role of Deputy Chief of the Office of Protective Services at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He oversees law enforcement and security programs responsible for safeguarding critical operations at the spaceport. He also serves as NASA’s Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Manager.

Experience

Before assuming his current role in January 2024, Sanders served in a variety of roles within NASA Kennedy’s Protective Services Office, including as Investigations Program Manager, Special Security Officer, and Physical Security Program Manager. He also has overseen multiple crewed launch missions and played a pivotal role in safeguarding the Space Launch System for the Artemis I mission.

Arriving at NASA Kennedy as a contractor with KSC Security Police, Sanders ascended to the rank of lieutenant and KSC’s Lead Criminal Investigator. His collaboration on multiple cases with NASA Special Agents in the Office of Protective Services led to his selection as a NASA Special Agent within the same office in 2018.

Sanders began his career in law enforcement with the United States Army’s Military Police Corps in 1988, focused on global law enforcement patrols, force protection, anti-terrorism, and intelligence operations. His service was followed by a role as a patrol officer for the DeKalb County Police Department in Atlanta, before joining the Cocoa Police Department in Cocoa, Florida, where he served as a patrol officer, field training officer, agent, detective, and sergeant. In this leadership role, he reviewed cases, mentored officers, and commanded specialized units, including the Street Crimes Unit, Honor Guard, and Special Investigations Unit. Sanders retired from the department after 20 years of service to the Cocoa community.

Education

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice administration from the University of Phoenix, Sanders is also a graduate of the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute’s Florida Leadership Academy Class XIV.

Awards

Sanders is the recipient of more than 25 awards and commendations throughout his career, to include several KSC Group Achievement Awards, the Cocoa Police Department Life Saving Award, the Cocoa Police Department Meritorious Service Award, the DeKalb County Police Department Employee Commendation, and the United States Army Achievement Medal.

Personal

A native of Melbourne, Florida, Sanders graduated from Eau Gallie High School. He currently resides in Merritt Island, Florida, with his wife Tammy and their loyal canine companion, Ellie Mae.

Biography last updated February 2025