Chamber Connect

Speaker:    Rich Burchfield, Chief Defense Development Officer, Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC
​Topic:  Aerospace and Defense - Key elements in our community 
Biography:
As Chief Defense Development Officer for the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce & EDC, Burchfield leads military relations and community outreach efforts, as well as support economic development and government affairs activities as they relate to the defense sector. In the context of the Chamber & EDC, the defense sector comprises military bases and missions, private sector companies and organizations, and the organizations that support them. He shares responsibility for cultivating, recruiting and maintaining relationships with members and investors, with his primary focus on military installations and defense companies in the Pikes Peak Region.
 
Burchfield (Colonel, U.S. Air Force, Retired) served nearly 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, splitting that time between active duty and the Air Force Reserves. He moved to Colorado Springs in March 1995 through an assignment to the Air Force Academy and went on to serve at Peterson Air Force Base (HQ Air Force Space Command), Schriever Air Force Base (310th Space Wing) and back to Peterson (21st Space Wing). In parallel to his Air Force Reserve time, Burchfield worked full time for 16 years in the defense industry sector (Millennium Engineering and Integration Company, and Booz Allen Hamilton) supporting USSTRATCOM, Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Missile Defense Agency and HQ NORAD and USNORTHCOM.
 
Burchfield’s final assignment was with the 21st Space Wing, serving as the Wing Commander’s (PAFB Installation Commander) senior reserve advisor. A key element of that role was helping enhance civic outreach, which included involvement in the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, Military Affairs Council, Area Chiefs of Staff forums and helping stand up the El Paso County Military Task Force.
 
Burchfield holds a master’s degree and project management professional certification. During his career, he received multiple Office of the Secretary of Defense team and leadership awards.

 

Purpose of Chamber Connects: To connect the community and business advocates together twice a month to share information, educate and network. 

Requirements:  No requirement for members.  A $5.00 charge for non-members at the door.  Cost covers the presentation.  We suggest that you support the venue with the purchase of a drink and/or lunch.  Everyone is welcome!

Commitment:  No attendance requirements, no
lead requirements. Simply be there when you can and bring others to share the
wealth of the network.