Former intelligence, diplomatic, and law-enforcement officers — committed to your executive excellence.
Iconic applies the methods, skills, and experience of seasoned diplomatic, intelligence, cyber, and law-enforcement professionals to empower your business decisions. Our solutions are bespoke — tailored to your objectives — and built on three commitments.
We do what we say, and we tell you what we find — without exception.
Every engagement is handled in confidence, on your terms.
Insight that drives decisions, investments, and negotiations.
Mr. Waterman began his career as a software developer and consultant before earning a Ph.D. from Boston University in 2003, where he taught both computer languages and the humanities. He served as a Principal Consultant with SAIC from 2004 to 2009.
In 2009 he joined the U.S. Department of State, focusing on European Union cyber policy and nuclear-energy security regimes. He joined the CIA in 2012, serving in the Directorate of Operations both overseas and at Langley in senior management roles before retiring in 2024.
The recipient of multiple intelligence awards, he leads Iconic with a focus on strategic communications, program management, analysis, international operations, and talent acquisition.
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Before his recent retirement from the State Department, Zach served on the senior leadership team as Regional Security Officer in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He joined the Diplomatic Security Service in 2004 and led security operations at U.S. Missions in Karachi, Baghdad, Ashgabat, Moscow, and Erbil — as well as in Washington with the offices of Protective Intelligence Investigations and Mobile Security Deployments, and in Miami.
Before the Foreign Service he was a special agent with the EPA, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent, and a Marine Security Guard and infantry Marine. He holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice, an MPA in Business & Government Relations, and a certificate in strategic leadership from Georgetown University.
Mr. Austin is a retired career CIA Paramilitary Operations Officer who retired in 2021 after 34 years of civilian and military service. He served as a senior leader across numerous CIA assignments, with operational experience in Africa, the Balkans, Latin America, and the Near East, including multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Broadly experienced in field operations, covert action, and training, he has worked extensively alongside the intelligence and military communities, including JSOC and SOCOM. Between his military and civilian government service he worked for a security company overseas and as a private investigator in Chicago.
A Principal Advisor to Iconic Advisory Group. Full profile forthcoming.
Every conversation is handled in confidence. Reach out and we'll arrange a confidential briefing.
