CNAS mourns the passing of Shawn Brimley June 27, 1977 - Jan 9, 2018

Shawn Brimley was the Executive Vice President and Director of Studies at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) where he managed the center’s research agenda and staff. He passed away on January 9 after a battle with cancer. Mr. Brimley rejoined CNAS in late 2012 after serving at the White House as Director for Strategic Planning on the National Security Council staff. He also served as Special Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy at the Pentagon from 2009 to 2011, where he focused on strategy development, force planning, and overseas basing and posture. He was awarded the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service and the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service.

Mr. Brimley was a founding member of CNAS in 2007 and was the inaugural recipient of the 1Lt. Andrew Bacevich Jr. Memorial Fellowship. He also worked at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Mr. Brimley is survived by his wife, Marjorie, and their three wonderful children: Claire, age 8; Austin, age 6; and Tommy, age 3. The Brimley Children Educational Fund has been established to ensure that the Brimley children have adequate funds for educational and other needs through college.