Craig Nixon

Craig Nixon joined ACADEMI after spending two years at the McChrystal Group as a Partner following his retirement from the U.S. Army in July 2011. At the McChrystal Group, he led several consulting engagements, including two Fortune 500 technology companies, and was a senior advisor to chief executives on strategy and change management. McChrystal Group’s consulting focused on implementing CrossLead, a combat proven leadership system that optimizes the performance of individuals, teams and organizations through shared consciousness and purpose. Over a 29 year Army career, Brigadier General Nixon served in a wide range of assignments including seven tours in special operations units, five joint service assignments, and three tours in Korea. He commanded a combined U.S./Korean Battalion in the Korean DMZ, 3rd Ranger Battalion and the 75th Ranger Regiment. During his career, he led multiple diverse organizations that included all services, other government agencies, contractors, and soldiers from other nations that ranged in size up to 20,000 people. Since 9/11 he has spent four years in combat including tours in Afghanistan and Iraq as the Director of Operations for Joint Special Operations Command and the Commander of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Following an assignment as the Director of Operations for United States Special Operations Command, he returned to Iraq as the Deputy Commanding General of 25th Infantry Division / Multi-National Division North, Iraq. His final military assignment was in U.S. Central Command as the Deputy Director of Operations responsible for force protection. Over his career, Brigadier General Nixon participated in a number of contingency and combat operations including the invasion of Panama, Task Force Ranger Operations in Somalia, Operation JOINT GUARDIAN in Bosnia, and seven deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. He is a combat decorated soldier whose awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, a Silver Star for valor in combat, three Bronze Star Medals and the Purple Heart. Brigadier General Nixon graduated from Auburn University with a degree in business in 1982 and he has earned two Masters Degrees in Military History and Strategic Studies. Over the course of his career he attended numerous military and civilian professional development courses including the U.S. Army Command and General Staff Course and the Air War College. He supports a number of non-profit organizations focused on veterans and their families and is on the Advisory Board for Team Red, White, and Blue. Brigadier General Nixon resides in Washington D.C with his wife Debbie and four children.