Christopher Burns serves as Executive Director of Strategic Innovation & Intelligence at The Beckage Firm, where he advises organizations on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data strategy, cloud transformation, and complex technology modernization initiatives. Drawing on more than thirty-five years of experience spanning the Intelligence Agencies, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), defense programs, Fortune 500 enterprises, and highly regulated industries, Chris helps organizations solve high-stakes technology, data, and security challenges involving AI and other frontier technologies.

Chris guides organizations through some of their most consequential technology decisions, including artificial intelligence initiatives, advanced analytics programs, cloud modernization efforts, enterprise data strategy, cybersecurity transformation, and technology governance. His experience spans the full lifecycle of complex technology programs, from strategy and architecture through implementation and operationalization, with particular expertise in DevSecOps, cloud engineering, data governance, identity and access management, and enterprise-scale AI and machine learning environments.

Prior to joining The Beckage Firm, Chris held senior leadership positions within the Intelligence Community and DHS, where he directed multidisciplinary teams responsible for some of the government’s most complex data, analytics, cybersecurity, and technology modernization initiatives. Within the IC, he led organizations supporting enterprise technology modernization, artificial intelligence and machine learning environments, secure data processing systems, and large-scale technology programs supporting intelligence operations. He received multiple Exceptional Performance Awards and a Special Innovation Award recognizing his leadership in advancing enterprise technology and data initiatives.

At DHS, Chris served as a leader within the Analytic Innovation Cell, where he worked across the intelligence community to advance cloud computing, data science, software modernization, identity and access management, election security initiatives, foreign influence detection programs, and advanced analytic capabilities. His work regularly required coordination across numerous federal agencies, intelligence community partners, and operational stakeholders.

Chris also brings substantial commercial-sector experience advising and leading technology initiatives for Fortune 500 and large enterprise organizations. His background includes senior technology leadership roles with The Washington Post, GEICO, Lockheed Martin, and multiple consulting organizations, where he led complex software implementations, enterprise data programs, cybersecurity initiatives, digital transformation efforts, and large-scale modernization projects.

Chris is known for translating highly technical concepts into practical business and strategic guidance for executives, boards, legal teams, and operational leaders. His experience building

and deploying AI, machine learning, cloud, data, and advanced analytics platforms in both classified and commercial environments give him a distinctive perspective on the opportunities, risks, and governance challenges presented by emerging technologies. At The Beckage Firm, Chris works closely with clients facing complex technological, operational, security, and governance challenges, helping organizations evaluate emerging technologies, design resilient data strategies, strengthen governance programs, oversee critical technology transformations, and responsibly implement artificial intelligence and advanced analytics initiatives.

Chris maintains an active clearance and has previously held Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certifications. He holds a B.A. from Grand Valley State University.