#United States #Emmitsburg #CIA #Maura Burns #Mount St Mary's

Mount St. Mary's University Welcomes Maura Burns

Mount St. Mary's University is set to continue its esteemed Mark Drever Lecture Series, this year featuring none other than Maura Burns, the former Chief Operating Officer of the CIA. Scheduled for November 6, 2025, at 7 PM, the event will take place in the Horning Theater located in the Delaplaine Fine Arts Center on the university's picturesque campus in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

The Mark Drever Lecture Series is renowned for offering students an opportunity to connect with influential leaders from various fields, particularly those related to criminal justice, intelligence, and legal sectors. This year, Maura Burns will address attendees on the topic "U.S. Adversaries Focus on Non-Traditional Sectors", shedding light on her extensive experience working with the CIA over the years.

During her time at the CIA, Burns was pivotal in directing global operations and also led significant modernization initiatives for the agency. Her qualifications are not to be taken lightly; she has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the prestigious Presidential Rank Awards and the Distinguished Intelligence Medal. Recently, in 2024, she became a recipient of the Wash100 Award, celebrating her exceptional leadership and substantial impact on federal missions.

As the COO, Burns was responsible for overseeing the CIA's multiple directorates, which include Analysis, Operations, Science and Technology, Digital Innovation, and Support, as well as its various global mission centers. Her wealth of experience and knowledge makes her an ideal speaker, inspiring students and community members with stories of ethical leadership and service.

University President Gerard J. Joyce, Ph.D., expressed great enthusiasm about this lecture, stating, "The education of future leaders extends beyond the classroom. Our students gain invaluable insight from professionals who exemplify ethical leadership and service. Ms. Burns has demonstrated these qualities throughout her distinguished career and has truly lived a life of significance in service to our nation."

The event is made possible by the support of Mark Drever, CEO of Xcelerate Solutions, a company committed to enhancing education and health initiatives that tackle unique challenges faced by veterans. Notably, the lecture is free and open to the public, emphasizing the university's commitment to community engagement and public enrichment.

About Mount St. Mary's University

Mount St. Mary's University, founded in 1808, is a private, liberal arts, Catholic institution nestled near the scenic Catoctin Mountain in historic Emmitsburg, Maryland, with a satellite campus in Frederick, Maryland's second-largest city. The university offers a wide array of over 70 majors, minors, concentrations, and special programs catered to traditional undergraduate students, as well as more than 20 adult undergraduate and graduate programs. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development, Mount St. Mary's University continues to prepare future leaders by integrating valuable real-world insights into its educational approach.

For those interested in attending, this remarkable lecture is an invaluable opportunity to hear from a trailblazer in the intelligence community and gain insights into crucial national security issues. Mark your calendar and join the community for an enriching experience that promises to be both educational and engaging.