Current HillVets Fellows

Alex Lewis
Alex Lewis is a HillVets Fellow and U.S. Army veteran committed to translating service into policy impact. He recently earned an MPA from Brown University’s Watson Institute and a B.A. from Trinity College, where he studied public policy, and law and religion. In Rhode Island state government and on Capitol Hill, Alex supported U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy’s office and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor by researching legislation, drafting memos, and engaging constituents on veterans’ issues, housing, environmental protection, and workforce development. He also advises the Rhode Island Governor’s Young Adults Advisory Council and served the City of Providence as a Policy in Action analyst, producing zoning-policy research and recommendations. These experiences—together with military police duty requiring cross-jurisdictional compliance, clear rules, and calm leadership—shape his pragmatic, mission-driven approach. Alex aims to help craft fair, effective legislation that strengthens communities and improves outcomes for service members, veterans, and families.

Alexander Scaffo
Alexander Scaffo is a HillVets Fellow and a former Army National Guard Infantry NCO who brings combat-tested leadership to Capitol Hill. From 2017 to 2025, he served with the 114th Infantry Regiment, earning the Combat Infantry Badge and ARCOM with “C” device. Deployed to Syria and Qatar, he partnered daily with local civilian and military leaders, coordinated logistics across a multinational footprint, and supported intelligence and security operations, an experience that sharpened his cultural intelligence, operational planning, and crisis communication. He also taught U.S. history and civics as an 8th-grade substitute teacher, translating complex issues for diverse audiences and mentoring students. Alex holds a B.A. in Political Science from Rowan University. He is driven to bridge military experience with public service, advancing policies that strengthen national security and improve the lives of service members, veterans, and their families. We are truly grateful to have Alex as part of the HillVets community!

Andrew Doty
Andrew Doty is a HillVets Fellow, a U.S. Army veteran, and a former Presidential Management Fellow at the U.S. Department of State. Most recently, he was a Policy Coordination Officer in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, where he coordinated interagency sharing of intelligence-derived information, led outreach to educate policymakers on best practices, and earned an Exceptional Service award in November 2024. He also served as a Ukraine Desk Officer and as a Congressional Advisor in Legislative Affairs, developing Hill engagement strategies on Europe, tracking legislation, and managing time-critical inquiries. Earlier, Andrew was a program analyst supporting DoD personnel and readiness on congressional correspondence and continuity operations. He holds an M.A. in Security Studies from Georgetown and a B.A. in Political Science (cum laude) from George Washington University. Andrew brings disciplined, audience-aware communication and a bridge between intelligence, policy, and Congress, driven by a service ethos and commitment to mentorship.

Carson Checketts
Carson is a former U.S. Navy Lieutenant (O-3) and national security professional with more than ten years of service in the Navy followed by fifteen years across the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. Carson brings a Master of Arts in International Relations and National Security Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, along with a Juris Doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law, and a pair of bachelor’s degrees from the University of Utah. With an unwavering commitment to protecting American security, Carson has spent his military and civilian careers serving in roles that have equipped him with leadership and lived experience, making him an asset in security policy. Carson has led analysis, collections, intelligence policy, human capital, and mission assurance. On the Hill, Carson aims to further pursue his passion for empowering our nation’s decision makers with the best information and assessments possible. We are thrilled to welcome him to the HillVets community!

Charles Denison
Office of Rep. Eugene Vindman
Charles Denison recently started in Rep. Vindman’s office after four years of active-duty service as a U.S. Army Military Intelligence Officer. During his service, Charles planned intelligence operations in South Korea, coordinated with NATO partners across Europe, and served as the lead intelligence officer during a joint command post exercise with France’s 3rd Division. These experiences honed his cross-cultural communication, coalition planning, and strategic decision-making. Charles is a former intern of then-Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, and cites her devotion to public service as one of his inspirations for joining the military. Having seen how choices made in Washington shape outcomes for servicemembers and allies, Charles is committed to bringing an operational perspective for thoughtful, evidence-driven policymaking. In addition to the HillVets Fellowship, Charles continues to serve in the Army Reserves while working toward a Master of Arts in Security Policy Studies at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. He aims to use his knowledge and experience to bridge the gap between operational experience and strategic policy. Join us in welcoming Charles to the HillVets community!

Cyril Kurland
Office of Rep. Seth Moulton
Cyril brings seven years of service as a United States Coast Guard Officer to his fellowship, experience that has sharpened his leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. During his time in the Coast Guard, Cyril spent time on a USCG Cutter and then as a fixed wing naval aviator. After earning his undergraduate degree in Government from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, enrolled at Catholic University of America where he is pursuing a Master of Public Policy. Cyril has been placed in Rep. Moulton’s office, where his background in homeland security, maritime policy, emergency response, and interagency coordination positions him to contribute valuable expertise on Capitol Hill. As a disabled veteran, Cyril brings a deeply personal understanding of the challenges service members face during and after their time in uniform. He is especially passionate about advancing policies that improve healthcare, education, workforce development, and the transition to civilian life. Cyril’s dedication to transportation policy, national defense, and veterans affairs make him a strong advocate and a trusted resource for building policies that enhance both public safety and support for the military and veteran community.

Karl Keyzer-Andre
Karl Keyzer-Andre is a United States Air Force veteran and MBA graduate of Georgia Tech’s Scheller College of Business. Karl has a passion for translating operational experience into effective public policy. As a C-130J Loadmaster, he logged 1,000 flight hours, including 44 combat missions and earned two Air Medals. These experiences sharpened his judgment under pressure and his understanding of how policy decisions impact people on the ground. Karl has complemented his military service with policy exposure in a regional office and in a think-tank, having worked in former Rep. Phil Gingrey’s office and interned at The Heritage Foundation. Karl brings a collaborative mindset, servant-leadership ethic, and a commitment to improving systems that affect veterans and local communities. He is honing analytical, management, and stakeholder-engagement skills to build meaningful policy that is informed by lived experience. Karl is eager to contribute to the HillVets community and to help strengthen the bridge between military service and accountable, results-driven governance.

Joe Stevens
Joe Stevens is a HillVets Fellow and a former U.S. Army combat medic with the 3rd Infantry Division. He has devoted his career to serving the public; first in uniform, and later through foreign affairs and humanitarian work at the Department of State and as a Congressional intern. Joe holds a deep belief that well-crafted policy, grounded in experience and executed with clarity, can shape a more secure, just, and effective government. A former State Department Presidential Management Fellow and Program Analyst, Joe supported refugee admissions by improving operations and managing major humanitarian contracts. He also helped colleagues engage Congress on U.S.–China policy through briefings and responsive oversight work. Joe’s perspective is shaped by more than 100 combat patrols and recognition for valor. He holds an M.A. in Security Studies from Georgetown and a B.A. from American University, and we are proud to have him in the HillVets community.

Jordan Zammit
Jordan Zammit is a HillVets Fellow and former U.S. Marine Corps officer who cares deeply about public policy that builds trust, safety, and opportunity. His commitment to service began after 9/11 and matured through deployments and humanitarian missions, where he saw how clear decisions and steady leadership change lives. Jordan brings hands-on experience turning ideas into practice. As a Detroit Mayoral Fellow, he analyzed police discipline and helped craft a body-worn camera release policy to strengthen transparency. At Michigan State University, he led nonpartisan civic engagement and campus voter education, mentoring students who want to serve their communities. He has coordinated security and interagency support for Afghan refugees and taught undergraduates core concepts in strategy and international security. Jordan holds a Master of Public Policy in International Affairs from the University of Michigan and a B.A. from Michigan State University. He is excited to serve on Capitol Hill with humility, purpose, and care for the community. Join us in welcoming him to HillVets!

Ross Batchelder
Ross Batchelder is a HillVets Fellow and a former U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer. Drawn to Capitol Hill to be where national policy is debated, shaped, and implemented, Ross desires to help implement policies that strengthen and defend our nation. Over seven years in uniform, Ross advised defense leaders on emerging threats and led analytic teams during multinational exercises across the Indo-Pacific. That experience grounded his approach in preparation, discipline, and a steady focus on the people affected by every decision. He aims to translate operational insight into practical policy that strengthens national security and public trust. Ross holds a Master of Arts in Strategy, Cybersecurity, and Intelligence from Johns Hopkins SAIS and a B.A. in Chemistry with minors in Security and Intelligence and Naval Science from The Ohio State University. Ross’s sense of duty is guided by a deep commitment to service and meaningful impact, and we are thrilled to have him!

Raymond Lehman
Raymond “Ray” Lehman is a HillVets Fellow and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who cares deeply about policy that empowers the people it serves. He believes public service works best when it is grounded in trust, clear communication, and results that families can feel. Ray built his policy voice in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, drafting speeches, press releases, and constituent communications aligned with members’ legislative priorities. He has also served inside the U.S. Capitol as part of a classified CBRN security team, an experience that strengthened his respect for institutions and the people who protect them. Ray is pursuing a Master’s in Political Management at George Washington University and holds a B.A. in Communications and English from Penn State. He looks forward to helping turn great ideas into trusted public service that lifts communities.

