Ellis Craig | Career Readiness Instructor: Washington, D.C.
Ellis Craig is a Senior Intelligence Liaison Officer with the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A). In this capacity, he acts as an advisor, fostering the flow of information and intelligence among key government executives, various levels of government, and private sector collaborators. Prior to this notable assignment, he served as the Executive Officer for the Strategic Planning & Policy Division. He delivered expertise in outreach engagement, policy analysis, and strategic intelligence to help translate the Under Secretary’s strategic priorities into policy and planning products that drive operational effectiveness. He equipped I&A senior executives for strategic interactions with the Director of National Intelligence by providing decision support analysis to the voting principals of the Executive Committee and Deputy Executive Committee. These bodies are essential in setting the national strategic direction and priorities for the Intelligence Community.
He is a Gulf War-era decorated veteran with three decades of federal government experience in national security sustainability, enterprise level-strategy, law enforcement collaboration, business security, and operational intelligence, spanning across various national defense agencies. He is recognized for his pioneering leadership approach, which fosters innovation, cultivates a forward-thinking mentality, and encourages an exploratory mindset among team members.
Prior to DHS, he worked for the Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy for Policy, Security Directorate. In this role, he served as a security advisor and policy staff officer for a wide range of security programs and initiatives. During his tenure, he was recognized as an information integrator and successfully led collaborative efforts with mission management partners to issue effective security policy, advocate for resources, and promote enterprise-wide security integration. He developed best practices to sustain doctrine and cascading policies across the security enterprise.
Furthermore, he occupied various security management functions with numerous federal agencies to include the Office of Naval Intelligence, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Navy Engineering Logistics Office and National Aeronautics and Space Administration. For exemplary civilian service to the Office of Naval Intelligence, Security Directorate, his extraordinary efforts during the 911 attacks significantly enhanced the safety and security to all personnel and property of the National Maritime Intelligence Center. His leadership and security contributions clearly merit special recognition and subsequently, he was awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Award.
Mr. Craig served in the United States Marine Corps from 1988-1992 with the 2nd Marine Division, Infantry Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During the Liberation and Defense of Kuwait, he demonstrated personal acts of bravery during Operation Desert Storm ground offensive, earning the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Valor in recognition of his valorous actions. He is a member of the prestigious Army and Navy Club, a private haven for military officers, government and private sector professionals, and distinguished members of America’s warrior class.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Craig volunteers his time as a trusted career coach to our Nation’s skilled veterans as they transition from military service to civilian life. His contributions play a crucial role in connecting these individuals to promising career paths across a variety of industries.