Meet CDR Burton L. DeShayes

Burton DeShayes is a seasoned leader and problem-solver whose career spans military service, civilian federal service, commercial IT service, and community leadership. A 1984 U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Burton served a little over 20 years of active duty in the Coast Guard, retiring as a Commander. His career included leadership positions in maritime safety, marine environmental protection, and port security, culminating as Chief, Marine Safety Planning & Analysis Branch, USCG Atlantic Area, Portsmouth, VA

After retiring, Burton transitioned to federal civilian service as Chief Security Officer for the Coast Guard's premier $700 million engineering and technical support facility and its staff of nearly 1,000 personnel. He managed the unit's physical security, personnel security, classified information security and industrial security programs to safeguard the unit and prevent losses.

Burton’s expertise in installing and managing state-of-the-art electronic security systems spurred him to make the jump to information technology positions in private industry. Building on his technical roots, he now works as an IT Support Specialist with Leidos, supporting the U.S. Navy’s $7.7 billon NGEN-SMIT contract, delivering secure, reliable network and cybersecurity services for the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet.

Community service remains a constant in his life—he has led his neighborhood watch program for over 20 years and volunteers with his church on poverty alleviation efforts.

When he is not solving IT challenges, Burton enjoys traveling, golfing, kayaking, and fixing whatever breaks around the house or in his cars. His happy place = a broken thing + tools + diagnostic equipment + a great classic rock playlist. He and his wife, Sonya, have been happily married for 39 years and enjoy visiting their grown children—Austin, 31, in Los Angeles, and Jenna, 27, in Phoenix.