Department of Defense

Bio, via The Heritage Foundation:

Charles “Cully” Stimson is a widely recognized expert in national security, homeland security, crime control, drug policy and immigration. A senior legal fellow at The Heritage Foundation since 2007, Stimson became Manager of the National Security Law Program in Heritage’s Davis Institute for International Studies in April 2013 after serving as Heritage’s chief of staff for a year. Stimson writes and lectures on policy issues such as the law of armed conflict, terrorist detainee policy and interrogations, the Geneva Conventions, military commissions, the Patriot Act and FISA, criminal law and the death penalty, immigration and the war on drugs. As chief of staff to then-Heritage President Edwin J. Feulner, he was a key adviser on public policy matters as well as manager of Feulner’s office staff and Heritage’s day-to-day operations. Stimson’s many research papers, op-eds and articles include special reports such as “Adult Time for Adult Crime,” a comprehensive study on the constitutionality of life sentences for teen-age murderers, and Sexual Assault in the Military: Understanding the Problem and How to Fix It, a ground-breaking paper detailing the inner workings of the military justice system compared to its civilian counterpart. His work on criminal and immigration law has been cited in briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court. He testifies before the U.S. Senate and House on national security issues, and recently testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the Law of Armed Conflict, Law of War, and the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. Before joining the think tank in 2007, Stimson served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Detainee Affairs. He advised then-Secretaries of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates and coordinated the Pentagon’s global detention policy and operations, including at Guantanamo Bay and in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was chairman of detainee-related panels such as the Defense Senior Leadership Oversight Committee, and the Special Detainee Follow Up Group. He represented the United States before the U.N. in Geneva, Switzerland in May 2006 where he led the DOD delegation in defense of the United States’ Second Period Report on the Convention Against Torture. An accomplished trial lawyer, Stimson worked as a prosecutor at the local, state and federal levels, where he concentrated on violent crimes such as homicide, sexual assault and domestic violence. A third generation naval officer, Cully also served as a military prosecutor, defense counsel, and recently served as Deputy Chief Judge of the Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary. He continues to serve, with the rank of Captain, as the Commanding Officer of the Appellate Government Division of NR Navy-Marine Corps Appellate Review Activity. Stimson’s thousands of media interviews and appearances include Fox News Channel, MSNBC, CNN, BBC, NPR and C-SPAN. He has been quoted by most major newspapers, including The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and London Times. A businessman and educator by training, Stimson is Vice Chairman of his family’s commercial real estate company in Seattle. Before 9/11, he was a Vice President at a New York-based global financial services and insurance brokerage firm where ran the private equity mergers and acquisitions D.C. operation. Stimson holds a law degree from the George Mason University School of Law, where he later taught as an Adjunct Professor of Law. He is a graduate of Kenyon College, where he was Captain of the men’s varsity soccer team and an All-Conference player. He also studied at Harvard and Exeter universities. An avid soccer player and triathlete, he serves as Chairman of the Board of the United States Soccer Foundation, the charitable giving arm of U.S. Soccer.

Bio, via Department of Defense:

Mr. Sweeney retired as a Rear Admiral from the U.S. Navy in 2014 following a two-year assignment as Commander, Carrier Strike Group TEN and a highly successful nine-month deployment as Commander of the Harry S. Truman Strike Group. His 32 years of operational experience also include Command of Destroyer Squadron 26 and Commanding Officer of USS Cole where he was responsible for the Cole’s restoration and return to fleet operations following the terrorist attack in Yemen. Additionally, Mr. Sweeney has significant experience as an advisor to senior civilian and military leaders having served as the Executive Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Navy, the Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation, and Commander, U.S. Central Command. Following his retirement from active duty, Mr. Sweeney was Vice President of Track Patch 1 Corporation, an innovative start-up company developing a radio frequency patch to monitor the movements of loved ones afflicted with Alzheimer’s dementia. He also served as Interim President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance (HREDA), the joint public-private corporation established to market Hampton Roads worldwide as the region of choice for business investment and expansion. Mr. Sweeney guided the Alliance through a strategic review process resulting in the successful restructuring of corporate governance and realignment of resources and internal processes to more effectively and efficiently accomplish the organization’s mission. While in the private sector, Mr. Sweeney served on various boards, including the Eastern Virginia Medical School Board of Visitors and the Old Dominion University Research Foundation Board of Trustees. Mr. Sweeney holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Resources Management from the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated with distinction from the Naval Postgraduate School with a Master of Science in Financial Management and holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. Mr. Sweeney also completed the Senior Executive Fellows Program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Bio, via Akerman LLP via Internet Archive:

Trey Trainor represents corporations, interest groups, political figures, and other entities with respect to election law, campaign finance, and ethics. Trey served in President Donald Trump’s administration as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, in the Department of Defense, Office of General Counsel. Mr. Trainor has represented and counseled numerous political figures and organizations including serving as counsel for Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. and the Republican National Committee. In 2012, Trey represented Governor Rick Perry’s presidential campaign in ballot access litigation in Virginia and has been involved in several recounts and election contests at the state and federal level. Trey previously served as the General Counsel to the Texas Secretary of State and was appointed to as the statewide Republican member representing Texas on the Standards Advisory Board to the U.S. Elections Assistance Commission. He also spent a decade working in various roles in the Texas Legislature, culminating in his service as Counsel to the Texas House Committee on Regulated Industries. Trey received his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, and his J.D. from Texas A&M University School of Law.

Bio, via Concerned Veterans for America:

Bill comes to CVA most recently from the global public relations firm Burson-Marsteller, where he was a director in the Public Affairs and Crisis practice. With nearly two decades of strategic communications experience in the grassroots/issue advocacy arena, federal government, political campaigns and the private sector, Bill joins CVA at a pivotal time for the organization as it seeks to advance policies to preserve freedom and build upon the recent momentum in renewing accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs. During his seven years of service in the Administration of President George W. Bush, Bill served as a trusted media relations and advance aide to Secretaries Gates and Rumsfeld, and was later called to serve in the Office of White House Communications as well as the President’s National Security Council staff.

Bio, via LinkedIn:

Mr. Ullyot has over two decades’ experience in strategic counsel, media relations and issues management in the public and private sectors. He has led strategic engagements with some of the world’s most respected companies and CEOs on many high-profile issues, including major product recalls, earnings, mergers, litigation, regulatory scrutiny, and Congressional testimony. Mr. Ullyot served for seven years on the staff of the United States Senate as a senior policy advisor for two veteran U.S. Senators and as communications director for two Senate Committees, Veterans' Affairs and Armed Services. In the private sector, he was vice president of corporate communications for AOL Europe, Washington spokesman for Intel, and a longtime senior communications counselor at several top public relations firms including Hill+Knowlton Strategies and Brighton Strategy Group. Mr. Ullyot received his Bachelor of Arts in Government-International Relations from Harvard University, and served as an Intelligence Officer and Scout Sniper Platoon Commander in the United States Marine Corps.

Bio, via University of Wisconsin OshKosh:

Vanessa has been working in the Office of Speaker of the House Paul Ryan for about a year, first as an intern during the Fall 2016 semester. Her work as an intern led to a job offer, and forced Vanessa to figure out creative ways to finish her degree at Oshkosh while also accepting a job that put her in the middle of the action in exciting political times. She was able to successfully juggle life in D.C., frequent trips to Wisconsin, and a pile of coursework in order to complete the requirements for graduation this summer. More than anything, Vanessa understands the power of internships. “Internships are very beneficial to a career on the Hill,” she writes. “As an intern you have the opportunity to build relationships with staff and members of Congress, as well as get a taste for the expectations of working on the Hill. From my experiences, you can never go wrong with a positive attitude. The environment on the Hill can become very intense at times, and a positive mindset and determination to work hard can go a long way.” Maintaining solid work relationships is critical in a job like Vanessa’s. “My daily duties include assisting office Senior Staff, creating daily schedules for the Staff Assistants and Interns, and helping with the operations side of outside groups visiting the office (located inside the Capitol building). I enjoy all aspects of my job, which I think is a symptom of working with and for really great people,” she says. Political Science was an obvious choice for Vanessa, and she uses the skills she earned here every day. “I chose Political Science as a major because of my passion for politics and interest in the minutiae of studying law. Many of my skills obtained through my Political Science degree have extended into my current job,” she writes. And she echoes something we hear from employers a lot: critical thinking and research are not just classroom projects, but essential job skills. “First and foremost, I would say that the skill of being able to think critically has been the most significant as many of my daily duties involve quick decision-making,” Vanessa writes. “The ability to know how to conduct research has also proven itself to be invaluable, which was a skill emphasized during my time in the Political Science department at UW-Oshkosh.” We’re thrilled that Vanessa was able to pursue this opportunity in D.C., and we are eager to learn where it takes her next. Want to know more about Vanessa’s path, working on the Hill, or living in D.C.? We have a lot of wonderful connections there, including Vanessa. Let us know how we can help you! You know where to find us. #TitansAre

Bio, via Bloomberg:

Mr. Vincent J. Viola, also known as Vinnie, founded Virtu Financial, Inc. in April 2008 and served as its Executive Chairman since November 2013 until July 20, 2017. Mr. Viola served as a Partner at EWT, L.L.C. Mr. Viola served as the Chief Executive Officer of CMEG NYMEX Holdings Inc. (Nymex Holdings Inc)., since 1985 and served as its Advisor and Chairman since 2001. Mr. Viola served as a Partner of Virtu Financial Capital Markets LLC. He served as the Chief Executive Officer at Virtu Financial, Inc. until October 17, 2013. He was founder of International Derivatives Clearing Group (IDCG). In 1987, he formed the First Bank Group that operates community banks in Dallas and the surrounding Texas area. He founded Pioneer Futures Inc. In 1985, a clearing member of NYMEX Exchange, COMEX and the New York Board of Trade. In 1990, Mr. Viola formed a proprietary futures and options trading group on NYMEX Exchange and the International Petroleum Exchange. He served as Board Chairman of LCH.Clearnet (US), LLC (IDCG). He served as Chairman of the Board and Director of New York Mercantile Exchange Inc. He served as Chairman of the Board of Nymex Holdings Inc. from 2001 to March 16, 2004. From 1993 to 1996, he served as Vice Chairman of the Board of NYMEX Exchange. He has been Chairman Emeritus of Virtu Financial, Inc. since July 20, 2017. Mr. Viola serves as a Director of National Italian American Foundation and served as Director of Nymex Holdings since 1982. Mr. Viola is the Owner, Chairman and Governor of Florida Panthers Hockey Club, Ltd. Mr. Viola is the Owner, Chairman and Governor of Sunrise Sports & Entertainment, the BB&T Center and SSE’s additional operating entities. He is one of the nation's foremost leaders in electronic trading. He began his career in the financial services industry on the floor of the New York Mercantile Exchange and served as Vice Chairman from 1993 to 1996 and Chairman from 2001 to 2004. Mr. Viola founded Independent Bank Group, Inc in 1989. Mr. Viola was recognized by the members and the Board of Directors of the New York Mercantile Exchange for his efforts in leading the reopening of the New York Mercantile Exchange following the terrorist attacks and at the time the New York Mercantile Exchange Board presented Mr. Viola with a citation noting “his untiring efforts and inspirational guidance that resulted in the reopening of the New York Mercantile Exchange following the terrorist destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001”. Mr. Viola conceived, founded and funded the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point. Mr. Viola has been widely recognized for his philanthropic endeavors including donating over $10 million to his alma mater through various gifts. He is also a benefactor of the Columbia University medical school and he and his family created and endowed the Pope John Paul II Family Academy in Bushwick, Brooklyn. He has also been honored as “Man of the Year” by the Chai Lifeline, which provides vital support services for Jewish Children with life-threatening illnesses. His charitable endeavors further include a $2 million donation to Fordham University and founding the National Children’s Educational Reform Foundation, which is dedicated to the improvement of inner city education with an emphasis on bilingual programs in immigrant communities. Mr. Viola graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1977 and later graduated from the U.S. Army Airborne, Infantry and Ranger Schools and served in the 101st Airborne Division. In 1983, he graduated from the New York Law School.

Bio, via Department of Defense:

Prior to this role, Ms. White was the founder and CEO of 1055 Grady LLC, a leadership and strategic communications consultancy firm in Washington, D.C. that specialized in developing the talents and skills of senior leaders, including executives, political appointees, candidates and elected officials. From September 2012 through September 2015, she was the Director of Policy and Strategic Communications for the Renault-Nissan Alliance in Paris, France. She also served as a Professional Staff Member on the Armed Services Committee of the U.S. Senate. Her responsibilities included oversight of U.S Pacific Command, U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Southern Command, U.S. European Command, and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, counter-narcotics and nonproliferation. Ms. White was also a foreign policy adviser on the 2008 presidential campaign of Senator John McCain (R-AZ). Prior to joining the Senate Armed Services Committee, she was an editorial writer for the Wall Street Journal based in Hong Kong and the Taiwan Country Director in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Before coming to the Department of Defense, Ms. White was the Director of the Washington Roundtable for the Asia-Pacific Press at The Heritage Foundation and a publicist for the Fox News Channel. She started her career in Washington as a press secretary for the Republican Conference of the U.S. House of Representatives. Ms. White has a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Languages and Civilization from the University of Chicago. She studied at Capital University of Economics and Business in Beijing and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul. She speaks Mandarin Chinese and French. She is the recipient of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service and an MIT Seminar XXI National Security Fellow.