Caitlin Justesen

Caitlin Justesen is the Founder and CEO of Cait Frances Communications, a strategic communications advisory she launched in June 2026 following her departure from the Pentagon. Based in the Washington, D.C., area, she advises defense technology companies, national security organizations, government leaders, and mission-driven businesses operating in complex and high-stakes environments. Her firm specializes in helping organizations establish a clear and compelling narrative, particularly early-stage companies preparing for growth, fundraising, market expansion, or increased visibility. For clients in the pre-seed and seed stages, Justesen develops comprehensive strategic communications plans that encompass core messaging, narrative and positioning, targeted industry conferences, specialized media audiences, stakeholder engagement, executive communications, and reputation management.

Justesen's career spans more than a decade of communications leadership across the federal government, military, and emergency-management sectors. Prior to founding Cait Frances Communications, she served as Director of Strategic Communications for the United States Department of the Navy, where she led strategic communications efforts in support of the department's mission and senior leadership. Her federal experience also includes more than three years with FEMA, where she served as Executive Communications Advisor to the Administrator, working closely with the agency's top executive for more than two years. She previously served as Acting Press Secretary and as an External Affairs Officer with FEMA's National Incident Management Assistance Team. Earlier in her career, she was Deputy Public Affairs Officer for the Texas Division of Emergency Management, giving her firsthand experience communicating during emergencies and other high-pressure situations. Her background in Naval Intelligence and security further informs her understanding of national security, defense, government operations, and the importance of disciplined communication in mission-critical environments.

A communications professional with a strong foundation in storytelling, Justesen earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication/Media Studies from Texas State University in 2016, after completing four years of community college before spending two years at the university. Her studies in broadcast journalism helped develop her abilities in storytelling, media relations, writing, and audience-focused communication. She further expanded her professional expertise through FEMA's Advanced Public Information Officer training. Her accomplishments include the 2024 Navy Public Affairs Award for Excellence and the 2024 Naval Intelligence Activity Annual Award for Outstanding Enabler. Today, Justesen combines her experience in federal communications, emergency management, military and national security environments, and executive advising to help organizations communicate strategically, strengthen credibility, and navigate moments that can significantly affect their reputation, relationships, and growth. Her areas of specialization include strategic communications, executive communications, crisis communications, issues management, narrative development, messaging strategy, reputation management, stakeholder engagement, external affairs, organizational positioning, and thought leadership.