KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is pleased to announce the recent selection of Mark M. Zito as the Special Agent in Charge for HSI Kansas City. With over 28 years of federal law enforcement experience, Zito brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this critical role.
In his new position, Zito will provide executive leadership, direction, and supervision for more than 380 special agents, task force officers, and support personnel across 10 HSI investigative offices in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. His extensive experience in federal law enforcement and his dedication to the mission of HSI makes him an exemplary choice for this role.
"I am honored and excited to lead HSI Kansas City, a team dedicated to upholding the safety and security of our communities. My commitment to this role is unwavering, and I look forward to making a positive impact through our collective efforts,” said HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark M. Zito. “By fostering strong partnerships and leveraging our resources, we will continue to protect our citizens and ensure that our communities remain safe and resilient. Together, we can achieve great things and uphold the high standards of excellence that HSI is known for.”
Prior to his current assignment, Zito served as Division Chief of the HSI Academy. There, he directed the HSI Special Agent basic and advanced training programs, managing a $22 million budget and a staff of 175 full-time subordinate supervisors and instructors. His leadership at the academy ensured that trainees received the legal guidance, strategic vision, and critical-thinking skills necessary to initiate, conduct, and successfully conclude criminal investigations. Each year, the academy graduates more than 400 new Special Agents who are assigned to HSI field offices nationwide.
Zito's previous roles include serving as Deputy Special Agent in Charge of HSI Los Angeles, where he led over 300 special agents and support personnel, and created a multi-agency taskforce to investigate cyber-crimes, illicit trade and finance, transnational criminal organizations, public safety, and national security. He also oversaw undercover operations and specialized tactical units responsible for high-risk enforcement operations and major-disaster relief efforts.
Zito’s extensive background includes key leadership positions at HSI Headquarters, where he served as Division Chief overseeing all counter-proliferation investigations and as a National Program Manager within the HSI National Security Investigations Division. Additionally, he held roles as Assistant Special Agent in Charge for HSI Orange County, ASAC for HSI Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Supervisory Special Agent for counter-proliferation investigations at HSI Los Angeles.
Zito began his federal service as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, leading a military police platoon in Europe. Following his military service, he joined the U.S. Postal Inspection Service as a U.S. Postal Inspector before moving to the U.S. Customs Service as a Special Agent, where he led investigations into national security, narcotics, human trafficking, and financial crimes.
Zito holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from The Citadel (The Military College of South Carolina), a master’s degree in justice administration from Norwich University, and is a member of the national honor society for public affairs and administration. He is also a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School for Homeland Defense Executive Leadership program and the DHS Key Executive Leadership Program at American University.
HSI is confident that Zito’s extensive experience and proven leadership will significantly contribute to the ongoing success and mission of HSI Kansas City.