Max Richards is a Vice President with BGR’s Defense and Critical Technology Practice. Max brings extensive experience and policy knowledge on a wide range of defense related issues including AI, space, cybersecurity, and technology. He has served in top policy roles in both the House and Senate and as a fellow studied directly with top military officials.
Max previously served as Legislative Director for Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO). He previously served as the Senator’s Military Legislative Assistant (MLA) to advise Senator Schmitt as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He also served in key roles for Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Max also worked as a Legislative Assistant for Chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK).
In April 2021, Max completed coursework and graduated from a master’s program in International Security Studies with a concentration in cybersecurity policy at a U.S. Army base in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. The program was a partnership between the German University of the Armed Forces Munich and the U.S. Department of Defense. Course participants were active-duty officers from the Army, Marines, Air Force, and German Military. While pursuing his master’s, Max was selected as a fellow by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, where he received a scholarship to study foreign policy in Germany.
A Texas-native, Max was appointed by then-Governor Perry to serve a one-year term as Student Regent at the University of Texas Board of Regents where he worked with former Admiral William McRaven in McRaven’s role as Chancellor of the UT System.
Areas of Focus
- Defense
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Space Issues
Education
-
University of Texas, Austin
Masters in International Security Studies, concentration in Cybersecurity Policy