Brig. Gen. Chris Burns, U.S. Army, Retired, commissioned in 1987 as distinguished graduate of the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of Connecticut. Upon graduation, he transferred to the Rhode Island Army National Guard and began training to become a United States Army Special Forces Officer. He has successfully served in numerous assignments within special operations throughout his 30-year career to include working at operational detachment, company, battalion, and brigade level, as well as numerous theater special operations commands, Joint Special Operations Task Force, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the Joint Staff. Brig. Gen. Burns has previously deployed in staff and command positions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Brig. Gen. Burns most recently served as the Assistant Commanding General, U.S. Special Operations Command Central, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida from August 2014 to July 2016. He previously served as the Assistant to Vice Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command from January 2014 to August 2014. Brig. Gen. Burns completed 36 years of services culminating as the Commander, Special Operations Command North, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

As the IWC’s Senior Advisor, Burns brings more than 34 years of experience as a trusted advisor and confidant to executives, management teams, organizational partners and relevant staff. Burns delivers inspirational leadership by leveraging expertise developed in a stellar military career as an Army Commanding General, Green Beret, and strategic partner while enabling the development of innovative solutions by collaborating with key stakeholders in achieving aggressive objectives. Key competencies include virtual/in-person training, project management/analysis, strategic planning/growth, team/stakeholder collaboration, talent selection/development, communication/organizational influence, team leadership, coaching/mentoring, program development as well as delivery and execution.

Burns’ educational background includes a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2009, a master’s degree in Business Administration from Western Connecticut University in 2006 and a bachelor’s degree in Economics/Political from the University of Connecticut in 1987. Burns is also a member of the National Guard Association of the United States, Special Forces Association, Association of United States Army and Army National Guard Bureau.