Former CIA COO Maura Burns to Deliver Keynote at Mount St. Mary’s

Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, will host former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Chief Operating Officer Maura Burns as the keynote speaker for this year’s Mark Drever Lecture. Taking place on November 6, 2025, at 19:00 in the Horning Theater at the Delaplaine Fine Arts Center, this annual event aims to connect students with leaders in the criminal justice, intelligence, and legal fields.

Burns, who has an impressive background at the CIA, will present a lecture titled “U.S. Adversaries Focus on Non-Traditional Sectors.” Her extensive experience includes directing global operations and leading modernization initiatives at the CIA. Over her career, she has received numerous accolades, including two Presidential Rank Awards and the Distinguished Intelligence Medal. In recognition of her exceptional leadership, she was named a recipient of the 2024 Wash100 Award for her significant contributions to federal missions.

The Mark Drever Lecture Series, organized by the university’s Criminal Justice Student Association, invites distinguished figures to promote professionalism and ethics within critical fields. In a statement, Gerard J. Joyce, Ph.D., President of Mount St. Mary’s University, emphasized the importance of such events, stating, “The education of future leaders extends beyond the classroom. Our students gain invaluable insight from professionals who exemplify ethical leadership and service.”

The lecture is sponsored by Mark Drever, CEO of Xcelerate Solutions, a company dedicated to supporting education and health initiatives that address challenges faced by veterans. The event is free and open to the public, reflecting the university’s commitment to fostering community engagement and learning.

Mount St. Mary’s University, a private liberal arts Catholic institution, offers a diverse range of programs with more than 70 majors and minors for traditional undergraduate students, as well as over 20 adult undergraduate and graduate programs. Its proximity to the historic Catoctin Mountain adds a unique backdrop to the educational experience offered on campus.