SOWF Ambassadors

CSM (R) Brian L. Zimmerman brings over 29 years of elite military experience and distinguished leadership to the Special Operations community. Enlisting in the United States Army in 1995, Brian built a career defined by service in the nation’s most premier units.

Brian’s distinguished career included service with the 1st Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, Fco 51st Infantry Long Range Surveillance Company, and the 1st Battalion 10th Special Forces Group in Germany. In 2007, he was assessed and selected for a Special Mission Unit, where he served for 17 years in critical leadership roles, including as the Joint Special Operations Command J3 Senior Enlisted Advisor and an Operational Squadron Command Sergeant Major. His service is decorated with numerous awards, including the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, nine Bronze Star Medals (three for Valor), the Purple Heart, and the French National Defense Medal (Gold Level).

Following his retirement, Brian founded BZ Advisory Solutions, a strategic advisory firm that builds successful teams capable of excelling in unknown and unstructured environments. Focusing on defense and high-impact sectors, he draws on years of operational experience to direct the identification and integration of emerging technologies, fostering strategic partnerships between innovators and government agencies to support national security priorities. Additionally, Brian delivers bespoke executive personal assessments, selection, and leadership development that optimize peak performance and reduce costly mis-hires at the executive level.

Brian graduated Summa Cum Laude from Norwich University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis and is supported in his endeavors by his wife, Melissa, and their two sons.