Justin Brown
Founder and CEO
Justin Brown is the Founder of the HillVets Foundation and currently serves as CEO of The Nimitz Group, a premier consulting and lobbying firm specializing in technology, healthcare, and defense/veteran policy. Through the HillVets Foundation, Justin has built a platform devoted to empowering veterans, service members, and their families, equipping them with opportunities to thrive in government, politics, and advocacy. The foundation is best known for its flagship fellowship program, which places veterans in key roles within congressional offices, federal agencies, and advocacy organizations, where they help shape policies that impact their communities.
With nearly two decades of dedicated advocacy, Justin has led initiatives to expand educational and employment opportunities, improve access to benefits and healthcare, and work toward eradicating veteran homelessness.
Justin’s extensive experience includes serving in leadership roles at the VA, the VFW, and the American Legion, as well as holding the position of Staff Director for multiple Congressional Subcommittees under the House Veterans Affairs Committee. His expertise and influence have established him as one of the foremost and most experienced veteran advocates in the nation.
His commitment to public service began at 17, when he enlisted in the United States Navy. During his military career, he completed one deployment in support of Operation Southern Watch and two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his military service, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Utah and a graduate degree from the U.S. Naval War College.
A Utah native, Justin is passionate about outdoor activities, including climbing, golfing, snowboarding, and skiing. He is also an avid reader and finds deep fulfillment in mentoring students, veterans, and aspiring entrepreneurs who share his drive to make a positive impact on the world.
Danielle Forand
Junior Partner
Danielle Forand started with the Nimitz Group in November 2023, working her way up to Junior Partner in less than a year. Danielle has over six years of expertise in policy analysis and advocacy, as well as Hill and other legislative work. She is proud to be a part of the mil-vet community and dedicate her work to the service and sacrifices of others.
Danielle is an Air Force brat who is accustomed to traveling and interacting with people of diverse backgrounds. She bounced around the country throughout her life, living everywhere from Alabama to Nebraska to Pennsylvania to Texas. Danielle now considers herself a proud Virginian with an affinity for Washington, DC.
Danielle holds an MA in International Relations from Webster University and a BA in Political Science and American Studies from Christopher Newport University. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in International and Regional Security and minors in Leadership Studies and National Security Studies.
Danielle’s hobbies include cross-stitching, binge-watching, and spending quality time with her cat, Leroy.
Essam Attia
Junior Partner
Essam Attia joined the Nimitz Group after serving for over three years as a policy advisor in the office of Senator Bernie Sanders, where he covered veterans’ affairs, national security, and science and technology.
During his tenure, he spearheaded the Senator’s investigation into the national security implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and deployment in the military domain and helped develop the nation’s only federal response to the Dobbs.
Essam is a U.S. Army veteran whose military deployments exposed him to the quickly changing landscape of emerging technologies of war and their impact on civilian populations. Essam holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts and a Masters in Security Policy Studies from George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs.
Previously, Essam served as a foreign policy and defense fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives and served on the board of directors of the Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute.
Rita Murray
Operations Coordinator
Rita Murray brings an impressive wealth of experience in executive management, spanning over a decade, along with a deep expertise in administrative and office operations. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management.
Her extensive tenure in both the music and retail industries has equipped her with a versatile skill set and a keen understanding of operational dynamics.
Excited to join the Nimitz Group as its Operations Coordinator, Rita looks forward to leveraging her skills to contribute effectively to the team’s goals.
In her leisure time, Rita enjoys reading, playing tennis, and rock climbing.
Nicole McCrimmon
Social Media & Communications Coordinator
Nicole is a seasoned marketing professional specializing in social media strategy. Before pivoting to social media management and strategy, she successfully launched and expanded two businesses utilizing the power of social media and email marketing.
In addition, Nicole has excelled in managing social media accounts for renowned national brands through her work with leading social media agencies. Her diverse background includes valuable experience as a former Capitol Hill intern, and she proudly served as a member of one of the last classes of the House of Representatives’ prestigious Page Program.