About LXI Collective
Who we are
LXI Collective is a strategic advisory firm based in Washington, D.C., helping defense companies, innovators, and investors navigate the intersection of national security policy, Pentagon acquisition, and congressional dynamics.
Founded by a combat-tested Master Army Aviator and former Senate national security advisor, LXI Collective provides strategic guidance to organizations operating within the United States defense ecosystem. Our work focuses on helping clients understand the forces shaping defense modernization, congressional funding priorities, and the evolving needs of the Department of Defense.
Washington’s national security environment is complex. Defense programs are shaped by operational requirements, acquisition pathways, congressional oversight, and broader geopolitical dynamics. LXI Collective helps clients navigate this landscape with clarity and strategic insight.
Founder & Principal
Chris Wingate is the founder and principal of LXI Collective, where he helps defense companies, innovators, and mission-driven organizations navigate Washington’s national security ecosystem. His work draws on experience in military operations, congressional defense policy, government relations, and strategic advisory services across the defense sector.
A retired active duty Army Lieutenant Colonel, former Army aviation officer, and Master Army Aviator, he flew aeromedical evacuation missions in support of combat operations. That experience gave him a firsthand understanding of the realities facing service members, military families, and the capabilities required on the modern battlefield.
After retiring from the Army, he served on Capitol Hill as a Military Legislative Assistant and National Security Advisor in the United States Senate. In those roles, he worked on National security, veterans policy, military modernization, congressional oversight, and the legislative process shaping national defense policy. His work included helping advance multiple priorities through the National Defense Authorization Act, the appropriations process, standalone legislation, and congressional resolutions.
Through LXI Collective, he now advises defense innovators and industry leaders as they work to align emerging technologies and capabilities with Pentagon priorities, congressional dynamics, the defense industrial base, and the national security needs of the United States.
He also remains active in broader National security policy work, including research, congressional engagement, and strategic initiatives focused on military readiness, defense modernization, the defense industrial base, and America’s ability to deter and win future conflicts.
His work is grounded in a lifelong commitment to service, faith, family, and stewardship. As a husband and father of four, he is passionate about strengthening the institutions that protect America, support those who serve, and preserve freedom for the next generation.
Our Approach
LXI Collective believes that effective defense innovation requires more than technology alone. Success within the defense ecosystem requires an understanding of operational realities, policy priorities, acquisition processes, and congressional dynamics.
Our approach combines operational experience, legislative insight, and strategic analysis to help clients navigate Washington’s national security environment with clarity and purpose.
Our Values
LXI Collective was founded on the belief that leadership and service should extend beyond individual careers. Our work is guided by a commitment to integrity, service, and a desire to contribute to the strength and security of the United States, and the service members and the families that make our military great.
We believe that principled leadership and responsible innovation are essential to maintaining a strong national defense and supporting the men and women who serve.
Based in Washington, D.C.
LXI Collective operates at the center of the American national security ecosystem. From the Pentagon to Capitol Hill, our work focuses on helping defense innovators and industry leaders understand the dynamics shaping the future of U.S. defense policy and modernization.
Advisory Focus
LXI Collective works with a limited number of clients each year, providing strategic advisory support to organizations navigating Washington’s national security ecosystem. Our work focuses on helping defense companies and innovators understand Pentagon acquisition pathways, congressional defense priorities, and the evolving dynamics of the defense industrial base.
By combining operational military experience with congressional policy insight, LXI Collective helps clients better position emerging technologies and capabilities within the broader defense landscape.
