Kevin Higgins

Kevin Higgins is a board member, senior corporate executive, and a former key member of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)’s C-suite leadership team. He has three decades of global leadership experience, and integrates his entrepreneurial mindset, public and private sector experience, and unique global insights and network to improve decision-making, solve problems, and create opportunities. In 2022, Kevin founded KSTK Enterprises, LLC, a boutique strategic advisory service focused on helping clients navigate the myriad of complexities of today’s world. He serves as a Senior Advisor for WestExec and sits on several advisory boards, including Sayari and New North Ventures. Prior to his board and advisory work under KSTK Enterprises, Kevin served as Senior Vice President and General Manager for US Operations and Global Opportunities at Zipline International Incorporated.

Kevin retired from the CIA after a distinguished 30-year career, and in his last assignment served as Chief of Staff to CIA Director William J. Burns. He assisted the Director with executing the Agency’s global intelligence mission and confronting the most intractable national security challenges and emerging threats. His previous roles include Assistant Director of CIA for Africa, Chief of Operations of CIA’s Counterterrorism Center, and several foreign field assignments as Chief of Station. His numerous awards and distinctions include the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, CIA’s Excellence in Leadership Award, the George W. Bush Award for Excellence in Counterterrorism, the CIA Director’s Award, the CIA Director’s Award for Distinguished Service, and is a three-time recipient of the most prestigious honor in federal civilian service, the Presidential Rank Award. With Kevin’s continued commitment to CIA’s mission, he is a board member of the Third Option Foundation. This non-profit organization provides critical support to the operators and families of CIA’s Special Activities Center.

Married with two children, Kevin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Grambling State University, where he played NCAA Division I tennis, and holds a Master of Science – MS, National Security Strategy from the National War College.