Austin served the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for over two decades. As a DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Austin led complex cases targeting the command and control of transnational criminal enterprises with national security implications. He headed up investigations into financial crimes, corruption, and global drug trafficking cases.

Austin holds advanced degrees from the London School of Economics, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Prior to those, he earned a B.A. from Temple University.