Brendan Stickles serves as the Vice President, Government at O2X Human Performance, where he oversees federal government accounts and supports the organization’s strategic growth within the Department of Defense and broader federal sector. In his role, Brendan works closely with government leaders, agency stakeholders, and internal teams to develop partnerships and deliver human performance solutions that support readiness, resilience, and operational effectiveness. Drawing on his extensive military and national security background, Brendan helps align O2X’s programs and services with the evolving needs of federal agencies and tactical populations.

Brendan joined O2X in September 2023 following his time as a consultant with Boston Consulting Group. Prior to that, he served at the White House as the Special Advisor for Defense to Vice Presidents Kamala Harris and Mike Pence, where he managed a broad portfolio that included national security, veterans’ issues, defense innovation, military readiness, and personnel policy. During his tenure on the National Security Council as Director for Defense, Brendan worked across multiple government agencies to support strategic defense initiatives and senior leadership decision-making. Before transitioning into government advisory roles, Brendan served more than two decades in the United States Navy as a Naval Aviator and Commander. Over the course of his military career, he flew jets for more than 18 consecutive years and completed over 550 aircraft carrier landings. On his final operational deployment aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, he commanded an EA-18 squadron that earned back-to-back “Battle E” awards recognizing combat efficiency during Operation Inherent Resolve. Among his most memorable personal experiences as a pilot was performing the 2008 Major League Baseball Opening Day flyover for his favorite team, the New York Mets.

Originally from Glen Rock, New Jersey, Brendan graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a degree in History before earning both an MBA from the University of North Carolina and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University. He currently resides in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife and their three school-aged children. Outside of work, Brendan enjoys spending time with family, staying connected to the military and veteran communities, and supporting initiatives that strengthen leadership, readiness, and service.