Shawn Burgwald
About Shawn Burgwald
Shawn Burgwald serves as the Director of Classified IT Systems at General Atomics, where he leads a team focused on managing classified information systems for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. With extensive experience in information assurance and cybersecurity, he has held various roles at SAIC, the US Navy, and Leidos throughout his career.
Current Role at General Atomics
Shawn Burgwald serves as the Director of Classified IT Systems at General Atomics, a position he has held since 2020. In this role, he leads a team responsible for the development, authorization, operation, and maintenance of classified information systems for the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. He manages a geographically dispersed team of 20 information security professionals across the United States, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity standards and addressing inquiries from external customers.
Previous Experience at SAIC
Prior to his current role, Burgwald worked at SAIC for several years in various capacities. He served as the Information Assurance Officer from 2004 to 2006 in Arlington, VA, and later as Information Assurance Manager from 2006 to 2013 in San Diego, CA. In 2013, he briefly held the position of Western Regional Information Assurance Manager for eight months. His tenure at SAIC focused on information security and assurance, contributing to the organization's cybersecurity initiatives.
Experience at Leidos and the US Navy
Burgwald also worked at Leidos as the Western Regional Information Assurance Manager from 2013 to 2016 in the Greater San Diego Area. In addition, he served in the US Navy as a SCA from 2016 to 2017 in San Diego, CA. These roles further developed his expertise in information assurance and cybersecurity, enhancing his ability to manage classified systems and address security concerns.
Educational Background
Shawn Burgwald holds a Master's Degree in Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance from Capella University, which he completed from 2010 to 2012. He also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from California Lutheran University, studying from 1998 to 2002. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his work in information security and assurance.
Leadership and Advisory Roles
In his current position, Burgwald advises and provides oversight for a team knowledgeable in JSIG and NIST 800-53 standards. He is responsible for educating executives on the authorization lifecycle, helping them understand the impacts on their programs or schedules. His leadership ensures that his team remains compliant with industry standards and effectively manages cybersecurity risks.