Mr. Chad C. Sweet
Co-founder and Managing Principal
Areas of Focus:
Intelligence and counterterrorism Mergers and acquisitions within the security industry Investment counsel for private equity targeting the security industry Cyber security and corporate compliance.
Previous Government Service:
Chief of Staff, Department of Homeland Security (2007 – 2009)
Vice President, Goldman Sachs (1996 – 2006)
Investment Banker, Morgan Stanley (1994 – 1996)
Directorate of Operations, Central Intelligence Agency (1990, 1991 – 1993)
At the Department of Homeland Security, Chad Sweet worked directly with Secretary Michael Chertoff to restructure and optimize the flow of information between the CIA, FBI and other members of the national security community and DHS. Mr. Sweet also supported the Secretary during numerous operations to detect, disrupt and respond to terrorist plots both in the United States and overseas, including the August 2006 US/UK liquid explosives plot, the March 2007 Fort Dix Six plot, the June 2007 JFK Airport plot and other incidents that remain classified.
At Chertoff Group, Mr. Sweet utilizes his unique background in intelligence, homeland security and investment banking to provide M&A advice to companies wishing to expand within the defense, aerospace and security industries, and to help private capital groups evaluate investment opportunities within the sector.
After having helped to fight the threat of Communism during his tenure at the CIA, Mr. Sweet left the Agency in the early 90s and began a career in finance. He started with Morgan Stanley investment banking and then was recruited by Goldman Sachs. He spent six of his twelve years in finance in overseas assignments.
Mr. Sweet returned to public service after 9/11, which he personally witnessed from his Goldman Sachs office in New York.
Following the Inauguration of President Obama – during which DHS helped confront a potential terrorist plot – Secretary Chertoff and Mr. Sweet returned to private life and founded the Chertoff Group, where they continue working to help companies and political entities manage a broad range of risks.
Mr. Sweet graduated with honors from Columbia University and resides in New York City.