Founding Members — Watchfire National Security Network

#artificial intelligence, #immigration and civil rights, #human rights

NEW YORK

Denise Bell, Watchfire Member Council, is a Senior Fellow at Niskanen Center. She is also a co-founder of Welcome.US and was its first Partnership Director, before transitioning to consulting as a Senior Advisor on sponsorship policy. She previously worked at Amnesty International USA, in various roles leading its research and campaign work on refugee and migrant rights.

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#defense policy, #foreign policy, #human rights, #international affairs, #politics, #veterans

Charlotte Clymer

#defense policy, #foreign policy, #human rights, #international affairs, #politics, #veterans

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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#ai and defense technology, #artificial intelligence, #biotechnology

Rachel Campbell de Bautista

#ai and defense technology, #artificial intelligence, #biotechnology

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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#countering authoritarianism, #countering extremism, #veterans

Kristofer Goldsmith

#countering authoritarianism, #countering extremism, #veterans

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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#campaigns, #countering authoritarianism, #politics

Scott Kleeb

#campaigns, #countering authoritarianism, #politics

NEBRASKA

Scott Kleeb founded the Pöster Project, which produces free infographics showing how federal agency cuts affect states and territories. Scott holds a Ph.D. in history from Yale, is currently Director of Morgan Ranch, and formerly CEO of Energy Pioneer Solutions. He was the Democratic nominee for Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District in 2006 and U.S. Senate in 2008.

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#campaigns, #countering authoritarianism, #politics

#ai and defense technology, #emerging technology, #immigration and civil rights

Camille Mackler

#ai and defense technology, #emerging technology, #immigration and civil rights

NEW YORK

Camille Mackler, Watchfire Board Director, is an immigration attorney, policy strategist, and advocate with over twenty years of experience at the intersection of migration, national security, and emerging technology. She has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee and has argued cases before the U.S. Federal Courts of Appeals.

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#climate and security, #international affairs

Jesse Medlong

#climate and security, #international affairs

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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#climate and security, #international affairs

#accountability, #climate and security, #international affairs, #public policy, #voting rights, #democratic governance

Xander Meise

#accountability, #climate and security, #international affairs, #public policy, #voting rights, #democratic governance

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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#countering authoritarianism, #countering extremism, #human rights, #veterans

Christopher Purdy

#countering authoritarianism, #countering extremism, #human rights, #veterans

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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#activism, #campaigns, #countering authoritarianism, #international affairs, #public policy

Anthony Robinson

#activism, #campaigns, #countering authoritarianism, #international affairs, #public policy

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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#accountability, #campaigns, #countering authoritarianism, #politics, #public policy, #veterans, #countering extremism

Julie Roland

#accountability, #campaigns, #countering authoritarianism, #politics, #public policy, #veterans, #countering extremism

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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#civil rights, #human rights, #public policy

Audrey Roofeh

#civil rights, #human rights, #public policy

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Audrey Roofeh is the founder and executive director of Integrity Matters, where she mobilizes small business owners across political and ideological differences, to protect the rule of law, and the conditions that allow businesses to thrive. Previously, Roofeh taught the Law of Human Trafficking as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of New Hampshire School of Law, and before that served as the Director of Advisory Services at Polaris.

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#civil rights, #human rights, #public policy

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