David Thompson founded EdgePoint after more than 15 years of experience in Washington, DC. David served in the George W. Bush White House and worked for a top lobbying and consulting firm in Washington where he developed strong networks on Capitol Hill and across the federal agencies. Before that, David worked at Fox News for Hannity and Colmes and the O’Reilly Factor in New York City.
Over the years, David has built and managed strong teams and books of business providing a full suite of consulting services in the areas of cybersecurity, defense, intelligence, homeland security, healthcare, education, international joint ventures, real estate ventures, and others. David’s government skill sets are industry-agnostic. Rather, it is in understanding the “formula of government” and how to make it work for his clients. David’s experience working in the defense and intelligence communities provides rare insight into opportunities that are “off the beaten path.” David also maintains strong relationships in the private equity, foundation and non-profit communities that augment his ability to service EdgePoint’s clients effectively.
The Honorable Larry Kissell was a United States Congressman for the 8th congressional district of North Carolina, which stretched from Charlotte to Fayettville. Congressman Kissell is a Blue-Dog Democrat and was known as a pragmatic, results-oriented, and pro-National Defense Member of Congress who worked well with both parties.
Congressman Kissell served on the Armed Services Committee, which authorizes all projects for the DoD and ancillary components of our National Security architecture. On Armed Services, Congressman Kissell served on the Subcommittees for Readiness and Tactical Air and Land Forces. Congressman Kissell also served on the Committee on Agriculture, and the Subcommittee for Rural Development, Research, Biotechnology, and Foreign Agriculture.
Chris Cleary is a former Computer Network Operations Planner for US Cyber Command who led an Operational Planning Team focused on studying “Advanced Persistent Threats” to DoD networks. During his tenure at USCYBERCOM, he was one of the few officers to lead a forward deployed element supporting combat operations in the USCENTCOM Area of Operation (AOR). Chris still serves in the Navy Reserves with the rank of Commander.
Chris also has significant private sector experience, leading government sales operations for companies such as Verizon and Sparta, and was President of an IT startup focused on encryption technologies for the USG.
Chris’ expertise in cyber planning, operations and technologies both in government and the private sector provide him with rare insight to the Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs), capabilities, and gaps “within The Fort” and thus how best to leverage the skill sets of private institutions for maximum value.