[4] After the resignation of Gen. Michael Hayden as principal deputy director of National Intelligence, Burgess was selected by President George W. Bush in June 2006 to fill the position in an acting capacity until October 2007.

In June 2015, Burgess was inducted into the United States Army Military Intelligence Hall of Fame.

He was dual-hatted twice as the acting principal deputy director of national intelligence from May 2006 to October 2007, and January to February 2009.

[7] Army Lieutenant General Michael T. Flynn, who had served as an assistant director of national intelligence, relieved Burgess.

In this capacity he works across the university to interface and coordinate with federal, state and commercial entities on all matters related to these areas.

In June, 2019 Burgess assumed the role of executive vice president of Auburn University with no real change in job function.

Burgess and his wife Marta have five children: Lee, Regina, Julia, Mary, and John and sixteen grandchildren.

[9] In June 2016 LTG Burgess was inducted into the inaugural class of the United States Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps National Hall of Fame.