ARNSF and DMNSF learn about intelligence gathering

The CGSC Foundation and Alumni Association and its Simons Center hosted a visit by Charlie Gilbert, director of global intelligence for Gavin de Becker & Associates and former deputy director of the National Clandestine Service for the CIA, July 15-16, 2026.

(Top photo and above) Charlie Gilbert, left, director of global intelligence for Gavin de Becker & Associates and former deputy director of the National Clandestine Service for the CIA, discusses intelligence activities with Simons Center Director Todd Schmidt during the Arter-Rowland National Security Forum luncheon event at the Carriage Club in Kansas City on July 16, 2026.

During his visit Gilbert spoke at the Foundation’s two luncheon lecture programs – the Des Moines National Security Forum (DMNSF) on July 15, and the monthly meeting of the Arter-Rowland National Security Forum in Kansas City on July 16. Simons Center Director Todd Schmidt led the discussions at both events in a “fireside chat” format.

Charlie Gilbert, left, director of global intelligence for Gavin de Becker & Associates and former deputy director of the National Clandestine Service for the CIA, and Simons Center Director Todd Schmidt discuss intelligence activities during the Des Moines National Security Forum at the Des Moines Embassy Club West in West Des Moines, Iowa on July 15, 2026.

While Gilbert stated he no longer has any access to classified information and divulged no specific details from any past intelligence activities, he nonetheless was able to provide an interesting overview of his career in intelligence over the years and took general questions from the audience at both events about national security issues around the world, including China, Iran, Afghanistan and more. Schmidt led the discussion with Gilbert as they discussed the global intelligence gathering environment and the challenges and opportunities faced by the U.S. intelligence community in a world rapidly evolving and impacted by technological advancements and artificial intelligence.

After each presentation, Schmidt presented Gilbert with a small gift in appreciation for his time with the Foundation and its audiences.

For more photos see the CGSC Foundation Flickr album

Charlie Gilbert is an executive board member director of global intelligence for Gavin de Becker & Associates (GDBA) in San Antonio, Texas. GDBA offers protective services and protection training and advisory services for clients around the world. He was recruited to GDBA from the CIA, where he had served as deputy director for the National Clandestine Service, a part of the CIA that was established in 2004 to enhance human intelligence options. NCS was restructured and absorbed back into the CIA in 2015.

Gilbert’s CIA service also included assignments as executive officer and senior operations officer the the directorate of operations, and as chief of global intelligence operations agains a hostile target country. He has conduced numerous assignments in the former Soviet Union, the Middle East, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, and East Asia. Assigned to the top position in three different regions, Gilbert was responsible to conceive, plan, and execute complex intelligence operations. He has been operationally proficient in Farsi, Italian, and Russian.

Gilbert is the recipient of numerous awards and recognition including the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, the Intelligence Medal of Merit, the Donovan Award (twice), the Director’s Award, and three Meritorious Unit citations.

The Arter-Rowland National Security Forum (ARNSF) is an
exclusive professional information sharing and networking program.

The Arter-Rowland National Security Forum (ARNSF) is led by the CGSC Foundation and Alumni Association’s Simons Center and is an exclusive professional information sharing and networking forum for those interested in keeping abreast of relevant information about national security issues.

Members of the Forum and their guests meet periodically at guest speaker events in downtown Kansas City. National and regional guest speakers representing all elements of national power (Diplomatic, Informational, Military and Economic) highlight the meetings. The Forum is nonpartisan, but elected government officials may present from time to time.

The Forum is named after Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert Arter, Founding Chairman of the CGSC Foundation, and Mr. Landon Rowland, the Foundation’s first major donor who was well-known in Kansas City for his keen interest in national security issues and his leadership in business and philanthropy.

ARNSF events are only open to ARNSF members and their guests. If you are not a member but are interested in joining, contact the CGSC Foundation.

The Arter-Rowland National Security Forum is sponsored by:

The Des Moines National Security Forum (DMNSF) is an exclusive professional information sharing and networking event exclusively for members of the forum and select invitees of the CGSC Foundation’s Simons Center and Brownells, the co-hosts of the Forum.

The CGSC Foundation’s Simons Center designed the Des Moines National Security Forum (DMNSF) in the mold of its Arter-Rowland National Security Forum in Kansas City, wherein members of the forum meet periodically at guest speaker events to learn about issues related to national security. To help facilitate the new program in Des Moines, Brownells in Grinnell, Iowa, is the Simons Center’s local partner. Brownells Chairman Pete Brownell is also the Vice Chair for the Central Region of the U.S. for the CGSC Foundation’s board of trustees. The DMNSF is presented four times each year with subject matter experts on national security issues of interest to the business community.

~ Thank you to our 2026 DMNSF Sponsors ~