Chris Craige
Located In: North Carolina
Position: Managing Director
Chris is a retired Air Force 2-Star General with 30+ years of high context experience leading organizations and developing teams across the globe. He culminated his distinguished military career as the Commander of the U.S. Air Force’s personnel center, responsible for running programs covering the entire life cycle of human resources for military and civilian employees with worldwide operations impacting nearly two million total force Airmen, retirees, and family members.
Chris was commissioned as a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and served as a command pilot with thousands of hours in fighter, reconnaissance, and airlift aircraft and with combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. A proven strategic team builder, with a successful track record leading around the world, Chris had the privilege to command Incirlik Air Base in Turkey during NATO’s defensive response and posturing for the complex Syrian civil war. He also served as the Commanding General of an Air Expeditionary Wing in Kabul, Afghanistan where his team fielded critical attack and mobility capabilities for the Afghan Air Force, all while protecting U.S. and coalition forces.
Throughout his time with the Department of Defense, Chris was able to serve with multiple services and federal agencies as he participated in several joint-service commands. As lead strategist for a Combatant Command, he focused national security priorities for Africa, alongside key partners within our State Dept. and USAID teams. Chris has a strong forte with human resources and developing human capital and spent time as a Chief of Staff to a major command in Europe and Africa, leading airpower efforts supporting both continents. He also had the opportunity to serve in the halls of the Pentagon where he oversaw the executive development, talent management and career mapping for all Air Force General Officers. And he had the great honor of serving as the Air Force’s Military Aide to the Vice President where he coordinated daily between VPOTUS, his National Security Affairs team, the White House Situation Room, and the President’s Emergency Operations Center.
In addition to his degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Chris holds masters degrees from Embry-Riddle University, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the National War College. Chris lives in North Carolina with his wife and is the proud father of a son and daughter, plus a Weimaraner dog.