Chris Cirrito, CEO

Chris is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Government Audit Professional (CGAP). He is a graduate of Sam Houston State University, holding both a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and corrections, as well as a master’s degree in criminal justice leadership and management.

Chris began his career in Criminal Justice with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in 1995, where he started out as a correctional officer working the second shift on death row while attending college classes. He found his true calling after his graduation in 1998 when he joined the Office of the Independent Auditor, where he served the Texas Board of Criminal Justice until his retirement in March 2026. He spent the last 11 years of his career as the Chief Audit Executive, with oversight for the TDCJ, Windham School District, and Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Since his retirement, Chris has returned to his alma mater to mentor future criminal justice professionals as an adjust professor teaching a master’s level course in governance, oversight, and accountability.

Chris also serves as a committee member for several professional organizations.

• American Correctional Association (ACA)

  • Chair - Ethics

  • Member - Resolutions & Policies

  • International Corrections

• American Probation & Parole Association (APPA)

  • Member - Technology

  • Member - International Relations

• Texas State Agency Internal Audit Forum

  • Chair (former)