Defense Watchfire NatSec Defense Watchfire NatSec

Charlotte Clymer

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Charlotte Clymer is a writer, communications consultant, transgender activist, and military veteran. A Georgetown University Political Fellow, Clymer formerly served as the Director of Communications at Catholics for Choice, and Press Secretary for Rapid Response at the Human Rights Campaign. Clymer publishes an award winning Substack covering politics, religion, foreign policy, and culture. She has been quoted in The NY Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardian – and published in USA Today, The Washington Post, NBC News, and more.

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Rachel Campbell de Bautista

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Rachel Campbell de Bautista is a leader in Chemical and Biological defense, experienced in AI, machine learning, and medical countermeasure development. She is currently Head of National Security and Strategy at Tinycode, Inc., an AI safety and security company working to secure our national security sectors from agentic threats. Previously she served as the Deputy Director for Data & Technology Integration for Readiness within Enabling Technologies at the DoD’s Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND)..

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Kristofer Goldsmith

NEW YORK

Kristofer Goldsmith is a nationally recognized expert on the threats that domestic extremism and disinformation pose to American democracy. He is the founder and CEO of Task Force Butler Institute, a nonprofit that trains military veterans to investigate and disrupt extremist networks that threaten the safety of American communities.

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Jesse Medlong

WASHINGTON

Jesse Medlong is a sustainability litigator at DLA Piper, whose multidisciplinary practice spans climate change, the circular economy, environmental law, and supply chain integrity. Jesse's experience blends international diplomacy, high-stakes litigation, and sustainability policy. As a Navy veteran, his commitment to service is a cornerstone of his practice.

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Xander Meise

VERMONT

Alexandra (Xander) Meise is currently Associate Professor at the Vermont Law and Graduate School. Her research examines democratic institutions and economic development’s effects on rule of law and national security policy, especially re: accountability in crises, and climate change’s effects on world order and governance. Previous roles include Visiting Professor at the the U.S. Army War College.

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Christopher Purdy

GEORGIA

Christopher Purdy is CEO of the Chamberlain Network and has spent over a decade in veteran and community organizing. Previous roles include: Director of Veterans for American Ideals (VFAI), and Outreach at Human Rights First. Throughout his career, Chris has harnessed the unique perspectives and leadership capabilities of veterans to protect and promote democracy in the face of rising authoritarianism.

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Anthony Robinson

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Anthony Robinson, Watchfire Board Director, is the Executive Director of Netroots Nation, a nonprofit that helps progressive activists create a more just world. Anthony is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and has been awarded the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service. His work includes delivering policy briefings, trainings, and programs to military, civic, and political leaders, policymakers, and global allied organizations.

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Julie Roland

CALIFORNIA

Julie Roland is a veteran, business leader, writer, and a Political Director. She was a Naval Officer for ten years, deploying to both the South China Sea and the Persian Gulf as a helicopter pilot before separating in June 2025 as a Lieutenant Commander. She is a columnist with The Fulcrum, has a law degree from the University of San Diego, and a Master of Global Business Law from Columbia University.

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