James Gagliano Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Net Worth, Career, FBI, Military Service, Education, Family

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James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano is a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent, media personality, and university lecturer. He is best known publicly as a Law Enforcement Analyst for CNN, where he provides expert commentary on counterterrorism, criminal investigations, and police tactical operations. His perspective is shaped by a twenty-five-year career in federal law enforcement, during which he served in some of the FBI’s most elite tactical units.

Gagliano’s career began in the military; he is a 1987 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Following graduation, he was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army, serving as a light infantry platoon leader and company executive officer in the 10th Mountain Division. He transitioned to federal law enforcement in 1991, joining the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

During his tenure with the FBI, Gagliano held a variety of high-stakes operational roles. He was a member of the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), the bureau’s elite counter-terror tactical unit, and later served as the Senior Team Leader for the FBI New York Field Office’s SWAT Team. His operational experience extends beyond tactical resolutions; he also worked as an undercover agent in organized crime and drug trafficking investigations and served diplomatically as the Legal Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. He was awarded the FBI’s Medal of Bravery for his actions during a SWAT operation in 1993.

Since retiring from the FBI in 2016, Gagliano has pursued careers in academia and local government alongside his media work. He serves as an adjunct assistant professor and doctoral candidate at St. John’s University in Queens, New York, focusing on homeland security and criminal justice leadership. Additionally, he entered local politics, serving two terms as the mayor of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York.

Age and Birth Details

Born in the mid-1960s, James Gagliano is approximately 60 years old as of 2025. While his exact birthdate is not publicly disclosed, his timeline is anchored by his graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1987, a milestone typically achieved by individuals in their early twenties. He was raised in the United States, developing an early commitment to service that would define his adult life.

Early Life and Education

James Gagliano’s path to leadership began with a rigorous foundation in military discipline and academic excellence.

West Point and Military Foundations

Gagliano attended the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1987. His time at West Point instilled in him the core values of “Duty, Honor, Country,” which served as the bedrock for his future careers.

Advanced Degrees

A lifelong learner, Gagliano continued his education well into his professional career. He earned a Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership from St. John’s University in Queens, New York, in 2017. He is currently a doctoral candidate at the same institution, conducting advanced research on police use of force and organizational leadership.

Military Service

Before joining the FBI, Gagliano served with distinction in the United States Army.

Infantry Officer

Upon commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in 1987, Gagliano became an Infantry Officer. He was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), where he served as a Rifle Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer. His military tenure was characterized by rigorous physical demands and tactical training.

Special Qualifications

During his time in the Army, Gagliano earned several elite qualifications that underscored his tactical proficiency, including:

Ranger Tab
Airborne Wings
Air Assault Badge
Jungle Expert Designation

FBI Career (1991–2016)

James Gagliano’s 25-year career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation is the centerpiece of his professional legacy. Joining the Bureau in 1991, he ascended through the ranks to hold some of the organization’s most challenging positions.

Hostage Rescue Team (HRT)

From 1997 to 2001, Gagliano served as a member of the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team (HRT). Based at Quantico, the HRT is the U.S. government’s primary non-Department of Defense counter-terrorist tactical unit. In this capacity, he participated in high-risk missions globally, honing his skills in crisis resolution and tactical strategy.

SWAT Leadership and Medal of Bravery

Gagliano later served as the Senior Team Leader for the FBI New York Field Office’s SWAT Team. His leadership in this role was instrumental during numerous critical incidents. Notably, he was awarded the FBI Medal of Bravery, the bureau’s second-highest award for valor, for his heroic actions during a SWAT operation in June 1993.

Undercover Operations

Beyond tactical units, Gagliano demonstrated versatility as an investigator. He spent significant time working undercover in organized crime and drug trafficking probes. His undercover work often placed him in close proximity to dangerous criminal elements, requiring quick thinking and the ability to maintain a cover identity under pressure. He notably served on a protection detail for Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, a high-profile organized crime informant.

Diplomatic Service and Leadership

Toward the end of his FBI tenure, Gagliano took on diplomatic responsibilities as the Legal Attaché (Legat) at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. In this role, he acted as the primary liaison between the FBI and Mexican law enforcement agencies, coordinating efforts against transnational criminal organizations. He also served as the Chief of Staff to the Assistant-Director-in-Charge of the FBI’s New York Division.

Media Career: CNN Analyst

Following his retirement from the FBI in 2016, Gagliano became a prominent media figure. He currently serves as a Law Enforcement Analyst for CNN.

In this role, he provides expert commentary on breaking news related to:

Active shooter incidents
Terrorist attacks
Police use-of-force cases
Federal investigations

His analysis is prized for its nuance; he often draws upon his own experiences in the field to explain the split-second decisions law enforcement officers must make, while also advocating for accountability and best practices in policing.

Political Career: Mayor of Cornwall-on-Hudson

Gagliano’s commitment to public service extended to local government. He was elected as the Mayor of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York.

Tenure: He served two terms as Mayor, concluding his service in April 2025.
Platform: As Mayor, he focused on fiscal responsibility, infrastructure improvements, and maintaining public safety. He was a vocal proponent of term limits, honoring his pledge to step down after two terms to allow for new leadership.
Leadership Style: His approach to governance was described as hands-on and community-focused, leveraging his crisis management skills to navigate the village through challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and local weather emergencies.

Academic Career

James Gagliano is deeply involved in higher education, shaping the minds of future criminal justice professionals.

St. John’s University: He serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor and is a Dean’s Scholar.
Subjects Taught: His curriculum includes courses on Homeland Security, Criminal Justice Leadership, and Military History.
Doctoral Research: As a doctoral candidate, his research focuses on the intersection of policing methodology and public policy, specifically analyzing police use of force.

Personal Life

Despite his public profile, James Gagliano maintains a degree of privacy regarding his family life, though he has shared certain details publicly.

Wife and Family

He is married to Tiffany Gagliano, who is a private practice attorney. Together, they have a blended family of five children. The family resides in the Hudson Valley region of New York, specifically in Cornwall-on-Hudson.

Interests

Gagliano is known to be an avid sports fan and a dedicated father. He has often spoken about the importance of mentorship, having coached basketball for at-risk youth during his time leading the Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force. The family also owns a rescue dog named Dansby.

Net Worth

As of 2025, James Gagliano’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, it is estimated to be in the range of $1 million to $3 million.

This estimation is based on his accumulation of wealth from multiple high-level income streams:

FBI Pension: As a retired GS-15 level Supervisory Special Agent with 25 years of service.
CNN Contract: Compensation for his role as a regular on-air contributor and analyst.
Academic Salary: Income from his position as an adjunct professor.
Consulting: Earnings from The Gagliano Group, his security and leadership consulting firm, and work with the Thayer Leader Development Group.

Conclusion

James Gagliano represents a unique blend of warrior, diplomat, and scholar. From the rugged terrain of Afghanistan to the streets of New York City and the television studios of CNN, his career has been defined by a willingness to step into the arena. Whether leading a SWAT team through a breach or guiding a village through a fiscal year, Gagliano has applied a consistent philosophy of disciplined leadership and ethical service. As he continues his work in academia and media, his voice remains a vital asset in understanding the complexities of security and justice in the modern world.