Chris Cleary
Vice President, Global Cyber Practice, ManTech
Chris Cleary led the development of ManTech’s cyber strategy centered on the principles of ”Deter, Defend, Dominate.” This framework aligns with Defense Department and U.S. Cyber Command priorities by emphasizing a proactive posture that denies adversary objectives, defends critical infrastructure and dominates the cyber domain. It’s a strategy built for speed, resilience and mission assurance in contested environments.
“In today’s fight, dominance doesn’t just come from firepower,” Cleary said. “It comes from the ability to deter, defend and dominate in cyberspace with speed, precision and purpose.”
Why Watch
In 2025, Cleary’s team is focused on scaling mission-aligned cyber capabilities that improve the impact of non-kinetic systems — tools relatively inexpensive, rapidly deployable and unconstrained by physical range. They’re enabling DOD and Cyber Command to project power in cyberspace with speed, precision and persistence. It’s about turning digital advantage into operational dominance.
“At ManTech, we’re aligning closely with the administration’s goals by delivering secure, scalable solutions that reduce redundancy and simplify legacy systems,” Cleary said. “We’re leveraging AI, automation and zero trust frameworks to cut costs and drive mission outcomes. Our approach is results-driven: helping agencies do more with less while enhancing resilience and readiness.”
Fun Fact: Cleary was a two-time All-American rugby player at the U.S. Naval Academy and was inducted into the Naval Academy Rugby Hall of Fame. Playing rugby at that level taught him teamwork, resilience and controlled aggression, lessons that translated directly into both military service and cyber leadership.