Clarity in a
Complex World

In an era defined by accelerating threats, shifting alliances, and unprecedented geopolitical complexity, the margin for miscalculation has never been narrower. We deliver the kind of focused, senior-level counsel that larger firms simply cannot replicate.

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A specialized advisory practice built on decades of operational experience

We are a specialized advisory practice bringing deep expertise in national security, geopolitics, counterintelligence, and strategic risk. Our practice is deliberately small, ensuring every client receives direct access to experienced professionals who have operated at the highest levels of government and private sector security.

We don't just analyze the threat landscape — we help you navigate it with confidence, precision, and discretion.

45+
Combined years in national security
3
Agencies led: NCTC, FBI, CIA
2
White House NSC veterans
Global
Operational reach & partnerships

Senior leaders.
Proven judgment.

Christy Abizaid

Christine “Christy” Abizaid

Former Director, National Counterterrorism Center

National security leader with background in counterterrorism, military and intelligence operations, the Intelligence Community, the Department of Defense, and global supply chain transparency, security, and resilience. Executive leader in various senior U.S. Government and private sector roles.

M.A., International Policy Studies — Stanford University B.A., Psychology — UC San Diego
★ Natl Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal ★ CIA Director’s Award ★ ODNI Award ★ NMIA John T. Hughes Award ★ DIA Meritorious Civilian Service
Featured In
The New York Times Reuters CBS News C-SPAN Al Arabiya English Lawfare The Cipher Brief CTC Sentinel TX Natl Security Review Washington Institute U.S. Institute of Peace
Career Progression
Director
National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC)
Jun 2021 – Jul 2024
Vice President, Global Operations
Dell Technologies
May 2018 – Jun 2021
Chief of Staff, Global Operations
Dell Technologies
Oct 2017 – May 2018
Austin Lead
Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
Sep 2016 – Jan 2017
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
Office of the Secretary of Defense — Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central Asia
Jul 2014 – Aug 2016
Senior Policy Advisor
National Security Council, The White House
Mar 2013 – Jul 2014
Director for Counterterrorism
National Security Council, The White House
Aug 2011 – Feb 2013
Senior Analyst
U.S. Department of Defense
Jul 2002 – Jul 2011
Congressional Testimony

Testified as nominee for NCTC Director before the SSCI. Received endorsements from four prior NCTC directors. Confirmed by voice vote on June 24, 2021.

Testified on the evolving terrorism landscape two decades after 9/11. Written testimony submitted for the record.

Testified alongside DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray on national security threats including domestic violent extremism, global terrorism, and cyber attacks.

Delivered testimony and statement for the record on threats to the Homeland following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Testified alongside FBI Director Wray and DHS Secretary Mayorkas.

Testified alongside DHS Secretary Mayorkas and FBI Director Wray on worldwide threats to the homeland.

Select Speaking Engagements & Media

First public interview after being sworn in as NCTC Director. Discussed the ideologically diverse nature of the terrorism threat to the homeland.

Interview hosted by the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA), published on YouTube.

Roundtable discussion on "National Security Strategy in an Era of the Russia/China Axis" with Rep. Adam Smith, Sen. Dan Sullivan, and former NATO Ambassador Douglas Lute.

Delivered keynote at the DIA Pride Month event in the Tighe Auditorium, speaking on authenticity and inclusion in the Intelligence Community. Also keynoted the 2022 Eradicate Hate Global Summit focused on combating hate-motivated violence.

Delivered remarks on the 2023 terrorism threat landscape, including al-Qaeda succession following al-Zawahiri's death and the Iranian threat network. Broadcast on C-SPAN.

Public talk hosted by UT Austin's Strauss-Clements Intelligence Studies Project, Strauss Center, Clements Center, and LBJ School of Public Affairs.

Discussed NCTC's evolving mission, external attack capabilities of ISIS, al-Qaeda, and al-Shabaab, and the domestic violent extremist threat.

Conversation with Spy Museum Executive Director Chris Costa on the terrorism landscape after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.

Published Writing

Authored the introduction to a landmark feature article by NCTC senior analysts published in the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point's CTC Sentinel, providing a rare public window into NCTC strategy and operations.

Policy analysis assessing which threats would demand the most attention, from racially motivated extremists in the homeland to ISIS and al-Qaeda offshoots in Africa.

Wide-ranging interview in TNSR covering her career path from post-9/11 intelligence analyst to NCTC Director, the craft of intelligence analysis, private sector experience at Dell, and current counterterrorism challenges. CTC Sentinel interview (May 2025) covered the jihadi threat in Africa, ISIS-K's evolution, technology and terrorism, and direct action policy across administrations.

Featured In
The New York Times
Reuters
CBS News
C-SPAN
Al Arabiya English
Lawfare
The Cipher Brief
CTC Sentinel (West Point)
Texas National Security Review
Washington Institute for Near East Policy
U.S. Institute of Peace
Awards & Recognition
National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal
Highest award of the Intelligence Community, for sustained superior leadership and service
CIA Director’s Award
For exceptional contributions to the Central Intelligence Agency’s mission
Office of the Director of National Intelligence Award
For outstanding support to the intelligence mission of the United States
National Military Intelligence Association — John T. Hughes Award
Recognizing excellence in intelligence support to the warfighter
DIA Meritorious Civilian Service Award
For meritorious service to the Defense Intelligence Agency
Current Affiliations
International Spy Museum — Board of Directors Leadership Council for Women in National Security
Core Competencies
Executive Leadership National Security Intelligence Analysis Counterterrorism Supply Chain Management Crisis Management Strategic Consulting Public Speaking
Jill M. Murphy

Jill M. Murphy

Retired FBI Senior Executive — Global Security & Risk Expert

Seasoned Global Security and Risk Expert with over two decades of international and national experience, including senior executive leadership roles at the FBI, CIA, and the National Security Council. Passionate about empowering and protecting startups and innovators navigating complex security landscapes.

M.S. — North Carolina State University (2000) B.A. — Eastern Kentucky University (1992)
Career Progression — 24+ Years FBI
Deputy Assistant Director, Counterintelligence Division
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Jan 2023 – May 2025
Chief of Counterespionage (FBI Detail)
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Nov 2021 – Jan 2023
Assistant Special Agent in Charge
FBI Baltimore Field Office
Nov 2019 – Nov 2021
Supervisory Special Agent
FBI Austin Resident Agency
Feb 2016 – Nov 2019
Director of Counterintelligence (FBI Detail)
National Security Council, The White House
Mar 2014 – Jan 2016
Special Agent / Supervisory Special Agent
FBI — Various Assignments
Jan 2002 – Mar 2014
Congressional Testimony

Delivered sworn testimony before the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence. Presented the FBI's counterintelligence work against China, covering economic espionage, IP theft, foreign malign influence, clandestine police stations, and threats to the defense industrial base. Broadcast live on C-SPAN.

Testified as FBI Deputy Assistant Director, Counterintelligence Division. Official congressional witness biography documented her career including counterterrorism deployments, China counterintelligence transition, NSC service, and field office leadership.

Select Speaking Engagements

Featured panelist at the 2024 C100 Annual Conference & Gala, discussing unintended negative consequences of U.S. national defense policies on the scientific and Chinese American communities, and strategies for strengthening U.S. technological leadership while fostering an inclusive environment. Over 600 registrants.

Senior FBI headquarters representative at a landmark forum co-sponsored by the Baker Institute, Rice's Office of Innovation, APA Justice Task Force, and Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition. Examined gaps between national science and technology policy and its implementation, and addressed lingering impacts of the China Initiative. Over 400 participants.

Featured guest on the Austin Forum podcast discussing IP protection in the digital era. Participated in three live panel events focused on helping entrepreneurs and innovators build successful technology companies, alongside leaders from Capital Factory and the Austin venture community.

Led a roundtable at Capital Factory on FBI resources for protecting startup intellectual property. Co-hosted an Ask-Me-Anything webinar with the Defense Innovation Unit covering protection from foreign actors, competitors, insider threats, and cyber incidents.

On-camera FBI expert advising the public on protecting personal information during the holiday shopping season, discussing password security and online safety practices.

Published Writing

Authored an article providing practical IP protection guidance for startups, covering threats from insiders, competitors, and nation states; steps companies can take to identify and protect proprietary information; and free FBI and NCSC resources available to entrepreneurs.

Featured In
South China Morning Post
The Hill
Rice University News
Nextgov / FCW
CBS News Baltimore
Washington Examiner
C-SPAN
Coalition for a Prosperous America
Core Competencies
Global Security Programs Counterintelligence Enterprise Risk Management Insider Risk Management Supply Chain Risk Mitigation Crisis Management Intelligence Government Liaison Strategic Planning Executive Leadership

Strategic capabilities across the full spectrum of risk

We bring the analytical rigor, operational instinct, and senior-level judgment that comes from decades at the center of the nation's most consequential security decisions.

Geopolitical Risk Advisory

Strategic assessments of geopolitical developments affecting business operations, investments, and supply chains. Informed by direct experience in the intelligence community and on the ground in conflict zones.

Counterintelligence & Insider Risk

Protect your organization from nation-state espionage, insider threats, and economic intelligence targeting. Programs built on methodologies developed at the FBI, CIA, and NSC.

Supply Chain Security

Comprehensive supply chain risk assessment, including foreign investment vetting, vendor security evaluation, and resilience planning against disruption and adversarial exploitation.

Crisis Management

Rapid-response counsel for security incidents, data breaches, geopolitical disruptions, and reputational crises. Grounded in experience managing high-stakes operations under extreme time pressure.

IP & Technology Protection

Safeguard intellectual property and emerging technologies from foreign acquisition, theft, and exploitation. Tailored programs for startups, defense contractors, and research institutions.

Government & Congressional Liaison

Navigate federal agencies, congressional engagement, and interagency processes. Direct experience briefing the White House, Congress, and intelligence community leadership.

Start a conversation

Whether you're facing an immediate security challenge or seeking proactive strategic counsel, we welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help.

Every engagement begins with a confidential conversation to understand your needs and determine how our expertise aligns with your objectives.

Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area