Polina Oglesby
Director of Research
Our Director of Research is the primary point of contact for all reports and research projects for The Potomac Advocates.
Principals

Brian A. Hibbeln
Brian Hibbeln joined PRASAM as a Principal in 2021. Brian’s three decades in the Department of Defense and the US Intelligence Community have earned him accolades for his ability to unite people, funding and advanced technologies to benefit warfighters and give the U.S. a competitive edge on the battlefield. Today, he is a sought-after strategic advisor to policy institutes, technology associations and growth-minded technology firms that rely on his recommendations to guide their way forward. Read more.

Joe Vealencis
Joseph J. Vealencis has more than 23 years of government and leadership experience. Prior to joining Potomac Advocates, he served as the Chief of Staff at Ball Aerospace, a leading aerospace, science, and defense company with revenues of over $2 billion/year. Joe served as strategic advisor to the President and the Executive Team in their management of the company’s daily operations and execution of its strategic plan. Read more.

Andrew Wood
Andrew Wood is a Principal at Potomac Advocates. Andrew retired from the United States Air Force in July 2023 after over 30 years of service as a career Intelligence Officer. His last USAF assignment was at the Pentagon working as a command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) liaison to the Senate and House Congressional Appropriations Defense Subcommittees. Read more.
Business Associates

VADM John Terence Blake USN (Ret)
John Terence “Terry” Blake served more than 37 years in the United States Navy before retiring in February 2013. He most recently served as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources (OPNAV N8). As the Navy’s Chief Financial Officer, he was charged with planning, programming and executing the Navy’s Budget. He also served in numerous positions in the Pentagon including Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management & Comptroller) and Deputy Director Resources and Acquisition (Joint Staff J8). His sea commands included a Destroyer, an AEGIS Cruiser, and a Carrier Strike Group. Since retiring from the Navy, VADM Blake has served as an independent consultant on a number of projects both in the defense and commercial sectors. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, a Master of Science degree in Finance from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Science degree in National Security from the National War College. Additionally, he completed the Seminar XXI program in International Relations from MIT.
Partners

Gary Sojka
Partner
co-founder of PRASAM. He focuses his efforts on representing defense, intelligence, electronic, and transportation companies before the executive and legislative branches. Read More

John Nichols
Partner
John Nichols is a Partner and Owner of PRASAM, LLC (doing business as The Potomac Advocates), a premier Defense, Intelligence, Space, Science and Technology and Homeland Security consulting firm. He started in this position on February 1st, 2003. Read More

Leo Clark
Partner
Leo Clark is a Partner of PRASAM, LLC providing consultation, research, and business development for the firm’s partners. In addition, he provides direct support to a number of clients in the areas of congressional and government relations. Read More

Anthony Tether
Anthony Tether served as director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) from June 18, 2001, until February 20, 2009. Read More
Cyber, Space and Intelligence Association

POTADV Insight Author
George Lauffer
George Lauffer is the POTADV Insight author. He previously served as The Potomac Advocates BRAC 2005 Newsletter author and BRAC 2005 Senior Strategic Advisor. Read More