Analytical Staff

Aaron Heffron has nearly 30 years of experience in research and analysis in various industries and sectors, including the federal government, trade associations, technology, television and radio, and telecommunications. As President for Research and Forecasting for the GovExec Media Group, Aaron brings together various research and information sources across the organization including Forecast International, Military Periscope, Market Connections and the Government Business Council to help clients get the information they need to make good business decisions.

Prior to its acquisition by GovExec, Aaron was President of Market Connections, a market research company providing qualitative and quantitative research services and strategy advice to the government contracting community. He is a regular speaker on topics of federal, state and local government business trends as well as marketing and communication strategies and prides himself in working collaboratively to develop product, marketing and program plans based on sound information.

Prior to joining Market Connections, Aaron worked with The NPD Group, Inc. bringing NPD’s syndicated consumer data to federal, state and local government agencies. He founded some of the first public/private partnerships with the U.S. Department of Commerce and Bureau of Labor Statistics to improve economic indicators and data gathering practices. Prior to NPD, he was Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Research for Harris Interactive where he facilitated a multi-continent strategic planning process for the US Department of State, ran product trials for the Open Mobile Video Coalition and facilitated focus groups with first Americans in Alaska and South Dakota.

Aaron’s professional history is rooted in both the public sector and the technology and telecommunications industries, including past positions with the Association of Public Television Stations (APTS), a trade association that represented the interests of America’s 357 public television stations and Independent Sector (IS), a coalition of 700 national nonprofit organizations, foundations and corporate giving programs.

He has his masters degree in public policy (MPP) from Georgetown University and a BA in leadership studies and economics from the University of Richmond in Virginia. 

Education: BS Aviation Business Administration, Lewis University.

With diverse experience in the commercial aviation industry, Grant joins Forecast International as the Lead Commercial Aerospace Analyst. He began his career at the Boeing Company, where he worked as a geospatial analyst, designing and building aeronautical navigation charts for Department of Defense flight operations.

Grant then joined a boutique global aviation consulting firm that focused on the aviation finance and leasing industry. In this role he conducted valuations and market analysis of commercial aircraft and engines for banks, private equity firms, lessors and airlines for the purposes of trading, collateralizing and securitizing commercial aviation assets.

Grant has a deep passion for the aviation industry and is also a pilot. He holds his Commercial Pilots License and Instrument Rating in addition to being an FAA Certified Flight Instructor.
 

Education: MSc Defense, Development, and Diplomacy, Durham Univerity, U.K.; BA Political Science and International Studies, Iowa State University.

A researcher by trade and a long-time military studies enthusiast, David specializes in analyzing military markets and combat systems research. With six years of military service and over seven years of research experience, David has devoted his professional career to studying the defense industry. Understanding how militaries operate, what tools they use, and how they use them is what inspires him. David works with clients to answer important industry questions and find pragmatic solutions to complex issues.

Before joining Forecast International, David spent six years in the United States Marine Corps where he specialized in infantry tactics and training. Following his military service, he spent seven years researching, writing, and analyzing content in the defense field. His previous roles include Global Conflict Data Analyst at Intelligence Fusion, Geopolitical Risk Analyst at Global Risk Intelligence, and Senior Industry Analyst at Government Business Council. 

Education: BA, International Relations and Chinese Language, Bard College; Sinology Studies, Qingdao University

Aja is an accomplished editor and analyst with expertise in open-source intelligence (OSINT), weapons systems, and the global defense sector. Currently serving as the Head Weapons Editor and Analyst at Military Periscope and Industry Analyst with Forecast International, she analyzes military developments, particularly in China and the Asia-Pacific region. 

Education: MA, U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security, American University; BA, International Affairs, American University.

Anna Miskelley has cultivated a deep interest in global security, emerging technologies, and military systems throughout her academic and professional career. She is currently a Defense Industry Analyst with Forecast International.

Before joining Forecast International, Anna was a research fellow at the Center for Security, Innovation, and New Technology, where she researched the impact of artificial intelligence on U.S. nuclear command and control systems. Proficient in Mandarin Chinese, Anna has published research on topics including strategic stability, internal Chinese politics, and artificial intelligence.   

Education: BA, Rutgers University; Concentrations in Political Science and Critical Intelligence Studies. MA in Political Science; Concentration in the United Nations and Global Policy Studies, Rutgers University.

Nicholas is responsible for updating the Middle East reports and analysis within Forecast International's International Military Markets – Middle East & Africa product. Prior to working at Forecast International, Nicholas served in the United States Army as a Human Intelligence Collector and dedicated his expertise to protecting the United States and its allies against threats of both unconventional and conventional warfare. Nicholas also served as an intelligence liaison officer and coordinated intelligence efforts with host nations throughout his service.