Chris Heaton

Chris Heaton, MPA, IOM has a broad range of work experience in various leadership roles. Chris is currently serving as the Vice President of Government Relations at AMAROK Security, where they lead the Compliance and Government Relations team. Prior to this, they worked for the Electronic Security Association for ten years, first as the Vice President of Membership & Chapter Relations and later as the Vice President of Advocacy & Public Affairs. In these roles, they managed membership growth, developed strategic directions for recruitment and retention, and oversaw advocacy efforts at local, state, and federal levels. Before joining the Electronic Security Association, Heaton was the Executive Director of the Texas Municipal Police Association, where they successfully implemented a comprehensive strategic plan resulting in significant membership and budget growth. Chris also has experience as a Sergeant at the Plano Police Department and a Police Officer at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Chris Heaton earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (B.A.A.S) degree in Criminal Justice/Political Science from Stephen F. Austin State University in the period of 1978-1997. In 1998-2001, Chris completed a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in Public Administration from the University of North Texas. Additionally, Chris obtained the IOM certification from the Institute for Organization Management in 2017.