Chris Cummiskey, former Department of Homeland Security Acting Undersecretary and Chief Acquisition Officer (CAO) is an experienced senior executive with 24 years of service in the public sector. As Acting Undersecretary and CAO, Chris oversaw the Management Directorate’s programs, processes, and people, managing a $19 Billion budget for security projects and programs within DHS. Prior to joining senior leadership at DHS, he served as a state CIO and state senator for 18 years.

Since leaving the public sector, Chris continues to advise private sector companies, federal agencies, and state and local governments on cybersecurity, homeland security, and government acquisition as CEO of Cummiskey Strategic Solutions, LLC.

Chris also serves as an Operating Partner with RIDGE-LANE Limited Partners, an industry leading advisory firm and merchant-bank. He is also a Senior Strategic Advisor to Cambridge Global Advisors and Guidehouse, as well as Senior Advisor to the Homeland Security & Defense Business Council.

Additionally, Chris is as a Senior Fellow and Adjunct Faculty member for Virginia Tech’s Hume Center for National Security and Technology, as well as a Senior Fellow for the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security at Auburn University. He is also a contributing cyber expert to The Washington Post.