Erik Harris

About Erik Harris

Growing up I was one of those kids that enjoyed math almost as much as playing outside. The idea that one can solve unique problems and, contrary to popular belief, these skills can help navigate and excel in the world outside the classroom really motivated me. One day that stands out to me was during a junior math class where we were determining the time a train would catch another given a list of variables. I remember our teacher going through, what I felt was, a complex methodology to solve the problem. Yes, his way did work, but for me, I felt like there was an easier, more efficient method. I set to work looking at the different variables and determined not all were necessary, streamlining it down to only four, allowing me to create a simple equation. This allowed me to solve the problem in seconds versus the roughly 2 minutes for everyone else. Additionally, it was able to reduce error as there were fewer numbers to possible mistype. I shared my thought process and equation with the teacher who initially did not think it would work. He ran a few different problems through and found that it was much quicker and more efficient. He then taught the rest of the class this new way of solving this type of problem. This made me realize that I love challenges and streamlining processes. I enjoy analyzing problems and determining the best possible solutions and outcomes. This analytical enjoyment was paramount throughout my over 20 years in military intelligence. Whether it was analyzing long-term strategic problems with multiple variables, or leading diverse cross-functional teams to tackle some of the Nation’s hardest problems. I constantly strive to expand my knowledge base, as one never knows when a particular bit of information may be useful. I am always searching for new exciting things to learn to expand my problem-solving skills to help light the path so that we can all seize our own adventures. Talented Senior All Source Intelligence Analyst with excellent attention to detail and a systematic approach to problems. Experience in executing budgets over $600K – organizing/leading analysis teams of 50 associates – and advising Senior Leaders on decision-making processes. Expertise Includes: All Source Analysis, Operations Management, Report Writing, Data Collection, Intelligence Management, and Regional Experience in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Career supported by Bachelor in Intelligence, Strategic Management certification from Wharton. Active Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance.

Experience

1. Sales Business Development Manager

   Cisco

   Jul 2024 — Present · Reston, VA, US

Education

• University of Arizona

  Master's degree, International Security Studies

• American Military University

  Bachelor's degree intelligence studies

  2012 — 2019

• Community College of the Air Force

  Associate's degree, Military Intelligence, General

  2003 — 2014