Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Burgess, Jr., US Army (Retired)
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Burgess Jr. has served on our Board of Directors since September 2023. Gen. Burgess retired from the U.S. Army in 2012 after 38 years of service, rising to the rank of Lieutenant General. His military career included terms as the head of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency and as acting Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence where he provided advice and expertise on national security to the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, the Director of National Intelligence, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Congressional leaders. He currently serves as a special advisor to the president of Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, where, from 2012 through his June 2023 retirement, he served as executive vice president and as senior counsel for national security, cyber programs and military affairs, engaging on effective administrative operations, cybersecurity, and current world events and their potential impact. Gen. Burgess also serves on the advisory boards of a number of privately-held companies, including in the technology and healthcare fields.
During his military career, Gen. Burgess received numerous military awards and honors, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the NATO Medal (from the former Republic of Yugoslavia). He was also recognized with awards by the governments of Colombia and Bolivia, was presented with the Order of the Star of Romania by the president of Romania and was inducted into the National Order of the Legion of Honor by the president of France. He has been inducted into the United States Army Military Intelligence Hall of Fame and has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Auburn University Alumni Association. Gen. Burgess has also received multiple honorary degrees.
Gen. Burgess’ expertise in cybersecurity and information systems are a valuable asset to the Board and the Audit and Compliance Committee in their oversight of the Company’s information security, data security, data privacy, and other cybersecurity programs, procedures and risks. Moreover, his demonstrated leadership skills and experience in developing and carrying out a strategic vision both in the military and at a major university provide an additional perspective to the Board. His familiarity with interfacing with individuals at all levels of the federal and state government also provides additional insight to the Board in navigating the highly-regulated industry in which the Company operates. Gen. Burgess’ experience in advising privately-held companies in fields such as technology and healthcare gives him additional knowledge of areas that are important to the Company.