Chris Kurtz is the Director of Security Architecture for Enterprise Technology at Arizona State University. His work focuses on security architecture, Zero Trust strategy, and network and cybersecurity modernization across a large, research-intensive environment.
The role is jointly funded by Enterprise Technology and the Office of Knowledge Enterprise. This allows sustained engagement with the research community while driving architectural change within central IT. Chris also supports Knowledge Enterprise leadership on special initiatives, including CXFEL, KESC networking, and MacroTechnology Works.
Previously, Chris served as Director of Research Technology Infrastructure and Cybersecurity for ASU’s Research Technology Office. Earlier roles include Director of Public Cloud Engineering and Splunk System Architect at ASU, where he was a long-time Splunk Trust Community MVP and frequent speaker at EDUCAUSE, EDUCAUSE Security Professionals, and Splunk .conf.
Before joining central IT, Chris managed systems for the Mars Space Flight Facility at ASU, supporting NASA/JPL missions including TES, THEMIS, and the Spirit and Opportunity rovers.
His current priorities include Zero Trust architecture, research-aware security design, and close collaboration with institutional cybersecurity leadership to better serve faculty, staff, and students.