Justin Brown
Founder and CEO
Justin Brown is the Founder and CEO of The Nimitz Group. Prior to launching his own business, he was the Democratic Staff Director for the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. He has nearly a decade of veterans’ focused experience and advocacy, fighting on behalf of veterans and their families to increase educational and employment opportunities, to expand access to benefits and healthcare, and to eliminate homelessness.
Justin is a Navy veteran, University of Utah graduate, and U.S. Naval War College graduate. He has worked for: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Congressman and former Admiral Joe Sestak, the VFW, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
As a veterans’ advocate, Justin pushed for passage of the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill and raised the issue of veteran unemployment during the economic recession. He has testified before numerous Congressional Committees and has participated in round tables, press conferences, documentaries, and media interviews regarding veterans’ economic and benefits issues.
In 2015, he ran a passionate but unsuccessful race in the Democratic Primary for the Virginia House of Delegates. He currently serves as an appointee to Fairfax County’s Economic Advisory Commission.
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.
Nora Lewis
Director of Research
Nora Lewis graduated from the University of Delaware in 2021 with a B.A. in International Relations and a concentration in Development and Political Economy. Nora hails from a small town in New England, and she grew up in a large family with strong Navy ties.
She is excited to work with the Nimitz Group as its Director of Research and shift her focus to the veteran policy space. Nora loves yoga, spending time with family, and going to the beach.
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.