Stories from Our Federal Workers: Melisa Stivaletti, Defense Intelligence Agency

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, Mary Riley Styles Public Library is proud to invite speakers from federal government agencies to share their stories of public service. This month, we are honored to welcome Melisa Stivaletti of the Defense Intelligence Agency. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was established in 1961 as an intelligence and combat support agency for the Department of Defense. Melisa Stivaletti works at the National Digital Exploitation and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Center. OSINT is derived exclusively from publicly or commercially available information to address specific intelligence priorities, requirements, or gaps. By focusing efforts on open source information of intelligence value, DIA is able to maintain global awareness of breaking events that affect US interests at home and abroad. Throughout this semiquincentennial year, learn more about the work federal government employees perform -- and why it matters. Come hear from current and former federal workers as they discuss the history and mission of their agencies, along with a description of their own careers and achievements. We are excited to put these often behind-the-scenes federal workers in the spotlight! To register for this program, please scroll down and click on the blue "Register" box. About the Speaker Melisa Stivaletti is an Intelligence Community leader with extensive experience in Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) across the U.S. Government. She has held key OSINT positions within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), DIA, CIA, the Department of the Army, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. She currently serves as the Senior Intelligence Officer for Strategic Engagement at the Defense Intelligence Agency’s National Digital Exploitation and OSINT Center (NDOC), starting in this role at the end of 2025, where she advances strategic initiatives, strengthens interagency and international partnerships, and advises on OSINT capabilities. As the OSINT Functional Advisor to the ODNI, Ms. Stivaletti provided expert counsel to the Director of National Intelligence and focused on delivering expert counsel and broad partner building. At DIA, she served as an OSINT Lead and Program Manager, supervising multidisciplinary teams, directing OSINT development for regional analysis, and managing various elements and task orders for large contracts. Her career also includes service as a Regional Desk Manager at NGA and deployments to Afghanistan in 2010 and 2011 as an Intelligence Analyst with the U.S. Department of the Army. Ms. Stivaletti is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds a B.A. in International Relations from Liberty University and an M.S. in Public Policy from George Mason University. She completed doctoral coursework at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, where her PhD work focused on public policy. She resides in Alexandria, Virginia, with her husband, son, dog, and two cats. City of Falls Church 250 The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary, or Semiquincentennial, of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking the formal founding of the United States. This national milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the country's founding, honor its diverse history, and explore how the American story continues to evolve. Communities across the nation, including the City of Falls Church, will host events, programs, and projects to commemorate the occasion and engage people in meaningful conversations about the past, present, and future of the United States. Learn more...-