Samuel Group DC Appoints Shawn Barnes as Senior Defense Associate

Distinguished USAF Colonel (Ret.) and federal government executive brings extensive defense and space expertise to bolster Samuel Group’s strategic advisory services

‍The Samuel Group in Washington, D.C. is pleased to announce the appointment of Colonel Shawn J. Barnes, USAF (Ret.), as Senior Defense Associate. With over three decades of distinguished service in federal roles and the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Barnes brings a wealth of experience in defense and space operations, strategic planning, and congressional liaison.

“We are honored to welcome Shawn to our team,” said Goran Samuel Pesic, President and CEO of the Samuel Group. “His deep expertise in America’s space industry and the U.S. Space Force, coupled with his extensive congressional experience over the past decade, will significantly enhance our ability to serve our clients in the defense and space sectors.

”Prior to joining the Samuel Group DC office, Mr. Barnes served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller at the Pentagon. In this role, he was the primary liaison between the Department of the Air Force and Congressional Appropriations and Budget Committees, leading efforts to align Air Force and Space Force financial priorities with legislative actions.

Mr. Barnes began his military career in 1985, serving 28 years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring as a Colonel in 2013. He held command positions in intercontinental ballistic missile operations and space operations, including leadership of the 12th Space Warning Squadron at Thule Air Base, Greenland, and the 595th Space Group at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. As a senior civilian, he continued to support strategic planning, space policy, and space acquisition initiatives.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Long Island University, a Master of Political Science from Auburn University at Montgomery, and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the National War College.

With his extensive background in military and space policy, resource allocation, and congressional affairs, Mr. Barnes is uniquely positioned to support Samuel Group’s clients in advancing their strategic business interests in the defense and space industries.

‍About Samuel Group DC

‍Samuel Group is a premier consulting firm headquartered in Washington, D.C., offering specialized strategic advisory and government affairs services to clients in the defense and space industries. Our expert team is committed to delivering innovative solutions and strategic guidance to help clients achieve their goals and navigate complex challenges.