Since his retirement from public service in January 2020, Christopher Freeze has dedicated his time to helping leaders succeed professionally and personally by understanding the intersection of trauma, trust, and hope. He is presently enrolled at Oklahoma University – Tulsa where he is pursuing a doctoral degree in Organizational and Community Leadership to further his learning and objectives. He co-founded and began working with the Hope Science Institute of Mississippi, Inc., in March 2021, as the Director of Training where he teaches individuals, organizations, and leaders how to embrace and implement the Science and Power of Hope. Mr. Freeze was appointed as the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) by Governor Phil Bryant on August 1, 2019. He served until January 14, 2020. Under his leadership, agency staff helped Mississippians move from a state of crisis to self-sufficiency through targeted state assistance programs. Before MDHS, Mr. Freeze served 23 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), most recently as Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Jackson Division beginning on September 22, 2016, until May 24, 2019. As head of the FBI in Mississippi, Mr. Freeze worked to strengthen partnerships with public and private sector agencies, bring attention to the challenges facing law enforcement, and encourage individuals to demonstrate leadership in all aspects of their professional and personal life. Prior to joining the FBI, Mr. Freeze worked as a Certified Public Accountant with the Tennessee Division of State Audit. He holds a Master of Arts in Religion and a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence.