Chris Cook

Chris Cook leads government affairs for Infleqtion, a global neutral-atom quantum technology company that designs and builds quantum computers, precision sensors, and quantum software for governments, enterprises, and research institutions. He brings more than two decades of senior federal experience, both in uniform and as a civilian, focused on national security, defense, and cyber policy. Cook previously led government affairs at Saab, Inc., and spent 16 years in the U.S. Senate, including with the Senate Appropriations Committee. In that role, he directed more than $87 billion in annual budget authority and national intelligence activities for the Department of Homeland Security’s 22 component agencies, including the federal government’s largest civilian cybersecurity program. He oversaw the funding and operations of the National Protection and Programs Directorate and guided its transition into what is now the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. He also served as deputy associate director for legislative affairs at the Office of Management and Budget. In parallel with his civilian career, Cook serves in the U.S. Navy Reserve. His active and reserve assignments have included work with the Defense Innovation Unit, U.S. Cyber Command’s Cyber National Mission Force, Navy Space Command, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Naval Special Warfare, including direct support to U.S. Special Operations in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Cook is a John C. Stennis congressional senior fellow and a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He holds degrees from Jacksonville State University, the Naval War College, the Air Command and Staff College, and the Joint Forces Staff College at the National Defense University.