Chris Graff is a distinguished cybersecurity leader and seasoned Marine Corps veteran with a robust career spanning over 15 years in the field of cybersecurity and strategic operations. Currently serving as Principal of Mandiant Global Strategy within Google Cloud, Chris is instrumental in leading the strategic direction and execution of cybersecurity solutions on a global scale. His role at Mandiant, a part of Google Cloud, involves collaborating with cross-functional teams and enterprise-level clients to address and solve complex cybersecurity challenges, ensuring that Mandiant’s services and solutions are aligned with the evolving market needs.
Before joining Google, Chris served as the Senior Director of Strategy at Mandiant, where he played a pivotal role in integrating Mandiant services with client needs and providing critical feedback to solution development teams. His responsibilities included working closely with senior stakeholders to build and maintain strategic partnerships across the industry, enhancing Mandiant’s strategic capabilities and market positioning.
Chris’s extensive experience includes his tenure at Longbow, formerly TalonX, where he was a Senior Manager and Engineering Lead. At Longbow, he directed the development of cyber automation solutions and managed services, focusing on improving cyber effectiveness and efficiency while providing valuable insights from security data to mitigate the risk of damaging cyber breaches.
Prior to Longbow, Chris served as a Cyber Specialist and Senior Analyst at McKinsey & Company. In these roles, he provided high-level consulting to Fortune 500 companies, focusing on cybersecurity strategy and program development. His work at McKinsey involved crafting and implementing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies that addressed complex security needs of large enterprises.
Chris’s career also includes significant contributions at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he served in multiple roles, including Associate in Cybersecurity Solutions and Implementation. During his time there, he designed and implemented cybersecurity programs for government agencies and improved security information and event management systems.
Chris’s foundational experience in cybersecurity began with the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a Logistics Officer from 2008 to 2014. His combat-proven leadership during deployments to Afghanistan, coupled with his ability to manage large-scale logistics operations, laid a strong groundwork for his later career in cybersecurity. His role involved overseeing logistics, facilities, and operational requirements for a large training school and resupplying forward combat units in a hostile environment.
Holding an MBA from The George Washington University – School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Virginia Military Institute, Chris combines his academic background with practical experience to drive impactful cybersecurity strategies. His commitment to the cybersecurity field is matched by his dedication to supporting veterans through advocacy and skill development initiatives.
Chris Graff’s career exemplifies a unique blend of military discipline, strategic acumen, and deep expertise in cybersecurity, making him a highly respected leader in the field.
Character: Chris Graff exemplifies integrity and dedication, demonstrated by his combat experience as a U.S. Marine Corps Officer and his ongoing commitment to veterans’ job placement and skill development. His leadership and service ethos reflect a strong moral compass and resilience in both military and cybersecurity domains.
Knowledge: With extensive experience across cybersecurity operations, cloud solutions, and risk management, Chris brings a deep understanding of technical and strategic aspects of cybersecurity. His roles in prestigious organizations like Google, Mandiant, and McKinsey showcase his expertise in navigating complex security challenges and staying ahead of emerging threats.
Strategic: Chris excels in devising and executing strategies that integrate technical solutions with business objectives, ensuring robust cybersecurity frameworks and operational efficiency. His leadership in developing cyber automation solutions and consulting on high-level security programs highlights his ability to align strategic goals with evolving market needs.
Communication: An adept communicator, Chris effectively collaborates with stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and enterprise clients to address intricate cybersecurity issues. His experience in consulting and leading diverse teams demonstrates his skill in conveying complex information clearly and fostering strong industry partnerships.
