Chris Kraft is the Deputy Chief Technology Officer for AI/Emerging Technology, in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), DHS Headquarters, Management Directorate, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). Mr. Kraft Leads a wide range of complex AI activities and provides vision, leadership, and advice in developing information technology (IT) strategies and approaches for the CTO. Mr. Kraft’s work efforts directly affect the formulation and execution of the strategic plans and best practices for AI and ML integration. Mr. Kraft serves as the OCIO representative for AI and Emerging Technology councils and/or boards to maintain Department wide collaboration and consensus on strategic direction.

Chris Kraft most recently served as the Assistant Administrator for Financial Systems in FEMA’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO). In this role, Mr. Kraft serves as the principal advisor to the CFO regarding the consolidation and integration of integrated mission-essential financial, acquisition, and asset management systems. The financial systems modernization initiative is a key strategy to achieve compliant financial management (FM) services and optimize FM operations across the diverse DHS systems. The OCFO ensures the funds necessary to carry out the Department’s mission are obtained, allocated, and spent in support of the Department’s priorities and in accordance with law and policies.

Mr. Kraft previously served as the Deputy Director of the DHS-wide FSM program, where he led the effort to move DHS components to modern integrated financial, procurement, and asset management systems. His leadership was instrumental in moving the Transportation Security Administration to a modern system in October 2020 and preparing the United States Coast Guard to successfully migrate in November 2021.

Prior to undertaking that role, Mr. Kraft served as the Program Manager of the FEMA FSM program. He also oversaw several modernization projects for the Department of the Interior, Interior Business Center.

Mr. Kraft has 12 years of Federal service, including service as the Assistant Director, Financial Systems, at the Department of Justice, Executive Office for US Attorneys. Mr. Kraft also served as Vice President of Corporate Solutions for SiriusXM.

Mr. Kraft received a Juris Doctor from The George Washington University School of Law, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Decision Sciences/Management Information Systems from George Mason University.