Listen as Chief Jason D. Owens interviews his CBP counterpart, the Executive Director for the Field Operations Academy, Christopher Holtzer.

Christopher R. Holtzer is the Senior Executive Service Executive Director of the Field Operations Academy (FOA), headquartered in Glynco, Georgia.  He is responsible for the design, delivery and evaluation of Customs and Border Protection basic and advanced training delivered at the FOA and in the field.

Mr. Holtzer entered on duty with the U.S. Customs Service on May 1, 2000.  His first duty assignment was in the Chicago Field Office at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport.  While in the Chicago Field Office, he was promoted to Supervisory CBP Officer and served an extended assignment as an Acting Chief CBP Officer.  He also served several assignments at various southern and northern border ports of entry including San Diego, El Paso, Blaine, Detroit, and Houlton. 

In 2008, Mr. Holtzer transitioned to the Office of Training Development (OTD) at the Advanced Training Center (ATC).  While in OTD, he served in numerous capacities, including, Acting Assistant Director - Use of Force Training Branch (UFTB), Supervisory Leadership Training (SLT) Instructor, and Deputy Commander – CBP Quick Reaction Force (QRF).  He led the revision of the Intermediate Force Instructor Training Program (IFITP) and the development of the first-ever Intermediate Force Instructor Recertification Training Program (IFIRTP). 

In 2014, Mr. Holtzer was selected as the National Commander for the Office of Field Operations (OFO) Special Response Team (SRT).  While serving as the SRT National Commander, he led over 140 SRT Operators nationwide in tactical operations and training delivery.  He also oversaw the annual execution of over 400 tactical operations both internationally and nationwide, which resulted in scores of significant arrests and provided critical support to interagency partners.  In 2017, he directed and oversaw the deployment of 145 SRT Operators who provided critical tactical support to the law enforcement efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.