WestExec Advisors Welcomes Johnnie Kaberle as Senior Vice President

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- WestExec Advisors, a leading bipartisan strategic and geopolitical risk advisory firm, today announced that Johnnie Kaberle has joined the firm as Senior Vice President. A seasoned policymaker with deep expertise in congressional appropriations, national security, and government affairs, Kaberle will support WestExec's clients as they navigate the increasingly complex policy and global business landscape.

Kaberle joins WestExec following a distinguished and exceptionally diverse career in the House of Representatives, where she served in several senior committee positions and was a trusted advisor to multiple Members of Congress. From 2019 to 2025, she served on the House Committee on Appropriations, both as Deputy Staff Director for the full Committee and as Staff Director and Clerk of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. In these roles, she led a team of national security and intelligence experts in drafting and negotiating the Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 Defense Appropriations bills, each exceeding $800 billion.

Throughout her career, Kaberle has been at the forefront of defense innovation and national security strategy, securing more than $2.5 billion for emerging technologies and accelerating their adoption through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program, and the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC). She also spearheaded the launch of a first-of-its-kind Concierge Member Services program, enhancing transparency and responsiveness in the appropriations process.

Prior to her tenure on the Appropriations Committee, Kaberle served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX) from 2011 to 2019. She was also Senior Appropriations Advisor to then-Representative Roy Blunt (R-MO) and a Senior Policy Advisor in his role as Republican Whip from 2003 to 2009. Earlier in her career, she worked for Representatives Lamar Smith (R-TX), Dick Chrysler (R-MI), and Nick Smith (R-MI), building a deep understanding of legislative strategy and policymaking at the highest levels.

Kaberle's contributions to national security and public service have earned her some of the highest civilian honors, including:

• Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service
• Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award
• Department of the Army Distinguished Public Service Medal
• Department of the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award
• National Guard Association of the U.S. Patrick Henry Award
• Honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy

"Johnnie is an exceptional and dedicated public servant. We are incredibly pleased that she has chosen to join us at WestExec following her distinguished and highly impactful tenure in Congress," said WestExec Co-Founder and Managing Partner Michèle Flournoy. "Her deep expertise in the most pressing national security and budget matters will be invaluable as we support our growing client base in navigating U.S. policy and the complexities of today's volatile global business landscape."

Discussing the announcement, Kaberle stated, "I am honored to join WestExec Advisors and bring my experience in national security, appropriations, and legislative strategy to the firm's clients. Having spent my career ensuring that the United States remains at the forefront of global defense and innovation, I look forward to continuing that mission by helping clients navigate the complex intersection of policy and industry."

WestExec Advisors, LLC helps business leaders make the best decisions by advising on geopolitical risk and emerging opportunities. To learn more, visit www.westexec.com or email [email protected].

SOURCE WestExec Advisors