Benchmark Executive Search Names New Members to its Frontier Tech & National Security Advisory Board

In Conjunction with Benchmark Expanding its Board of Director and Advisory Board Practice, Distinguished Experts Join Top Search Firm as Trusted Advisors

RESTON, VA May 22, 2025 – Benchmark Executive Search, an industry-recognized and award-winning executive recruitment firm, announced today its newly expanded Advisory Board and names six new members who are world-class technology, defense and national security experts.

To address the growing need to solve vexing national security challenges with game-changing technologies, Benchmark is expanding its network of experts. Ranging from national security, cybersecurity, insider threat, risk management and geopolitical risk, these top experts come from the highest levels in the intelligence, defense and national security communities. They are in high demand by dual-use startups who require their expertise in understanding how to defend networks, protect corporate assets, mitigate risks, implement best practices and advance professional development. Additionally, top tech startups need their expertise to help navigate the federal landscape and understand mission requirements. These new members will join fifteen other subject matter experts on Benchmark’s National Security and Technology Advisory Board.

New Advisory Board Members include:

• Christy Abizaid – former Director, National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC); Senior Pentagon Official; White House Aide and Intelligence Community Analyst
• Brian Hibbeln – former Assistant Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Special Capabilities; Director Special Capabilities Office (SCO) at the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)
• Kirk McConnell – former professional staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) & the House Intelligence Committee
• Dawn Meyerriecks – former senior official at CIA, AOL, and DoD. A recognized expert in delivering entrepreneurial technical capabilities and processes
• Lt Gen (ret) Erik Peterson – former US Army Deputy Chief of Staff G8; Director of Force Deployment; Commanding General Division West; Commanding General US Army Special Operations Aviation Command
• Stu Shea – former CEO at Peraton; President/COO at Leidos; COO at SAIC

“These esteemed and respected subject matter experts will provide Benchmark with valuable market perspective of the threat landscape, innovative technologies to solve mission challenges, and insight and access into top talent,” said Jeremy King, President of Benchmark. “We look forward to working closely with these experts who will lend their vision, unique knowledge and experience. I am humbled to have each join our team of advisors.”

“Benchmark Executive Search and Jeremy King represent the gold standard when boards and C-suites need to find transformational leaders and advisors. For decades, they have become the trusted team top investors and entrepreneurs go to. Their deep network across both federal and commercial sectors enables them to identify candidates who truly understand the intersection of technology, security, and business growth. What sets them apart is their reputation as trusted connectors, their meticulous vetting process and uncanny ability to make great matches,” said Brian Hibbeln. “They have a deep understanding of how the public sector operates, the needs of the mission, and more importantly, how to connect existing requirements with private sector people and expertise that keeps our national sector operating on the cutting edge.”

About Benchmark Executive Search:

Benchmark’s mission is helping keep America and its allies safe. Top technology, government contracting, venture-backed startups and private equity-backed growth firms partner with Benchmark to support their aggressive growth goals and timetables. The company specializes at the intersection of national security mission needs and innovative technologies. For more information, visit www.benchmarkES.com.

For inquiries:

Jeremy King
President
Benchmark Executive Search
Reston, VA
703-728-8506
jeremy@benchmarkes.com
www.benchmarkES.com