Chris Newman*
Senior Operating Partner, Operations & Planning
Joined Graham:
2020
Professional Bio:
Chris works closely with the investment team, industry experts, and management teams coordinating resources to drive financial, operational and product development performance at portfolio companies.
Prior to Graham Partners, Chris had over 25 years of Federal Government service, beginning his career as an enlisted U.S. Navy SEAL and then continuing as a Paramilitary Operations Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. He retired from the CIA as a Senior Intelligence Service Executive. During his career at the CIA, he served in field assignments and held several field commands as well as multiple senior leadership positions at CIA Headquarters, including Chief of the CIA’s largest overseas Station. He also served as Executive Assistant to the Director of Central Intelligence (DCIA), was assigned to the Department of Defense as Deputy Commander of a Combined Joint Interagency Task Force, and held other senior roles with global responsibilities in both traditional areas and war zones. He has extensive experience managing complex multi-organizational programs with global reach.
Past and Present Board Directorships:
OptConnect
Education:
Chris earned a B.A. in Slavic Language and Literature and Russian and East European Studies from the University of Virginia, completed the Advanced Management Program at Tuck Business School, and has attended Executive Programs at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the McDonough School at Georgetown University.
Personal:
Chris co-founded and supports the Third Option Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that cares for fallen and injured CIA Paramilitary Officers and provides resiliency support to their families.
Footnote:
*Designates employees of Graham Partners Operating Company (GPOC). GPOC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Graham Partners, Inc. that provides consulting services and coordinates the operations consulting and other services provided by operations executives, industry experts, consultants and outside firms to the Graham Partners portfolio companies, funds, affiliates and other entities. With the exception of personnel designated as employees of GPOC, all Operations Team members are 3rd party contractors who are not employees of Graham Partners, Inc. For further information regarding GPOC, please refer to Part 2A of Graham Partners, Inc.’s Form ADV, available on the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website.