National security policy and budgetary strategist. National Defense Authorization Act process tactician. Former House Armed Services Committee professional staff.
Ari Zimmerman is a chief strategist for the firm's national defense practice. He excels at the intersection of national security policy and the associated budgetary processes, maximizing opportunities for his clients to partner with the U.S. government. He deploys advocacy strategies for critical and emerging technologies, defense contracting, and dual use companies that capitalize on inflection points in the National Defense Authorization Act and annual appropriations processes. During his time on the House Armed Services Committee, Ari saw firsthand how politics affects policy and funding outcomes. He is deeply familiar with the contemporary national security interests of the United States and which messages resonate with Democrats and Republicans on issues related to foreign affairs and U.S. national security.
Congruent with his engagement on Capitol Hill, Ari positions his clients before political and career officials at the Departments of Defense and the Commerce Department in pursuit of contracting and grant opportunities. He advises clients on what programs match their capabilities and cuts through federal bureaucracy to ensure clients are meeting with key stakeholders.
Ari joined Brownstein after eight years in the House of Representatives. Most recently, he served as a professional staff member on the House Armed Services Committee, part of a small group of senior staff tasked with carrying out then-Chair Mac Thornberry’s (R-TX) agenda. Prior, he served as a senior policy advisor for Rep. John Carter (R-TX), a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and then-chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee.