Nick Vance

Vice President | Aerospace & Space Practice Area Lead

SMI Vice President who is a defense appropriations expert and former congressional advisor on Air Force, Navy, and Space Force funding

Insights

WHAT’S IN A CONTINUING RESOLUTION? Primer on Continuing Resolutions and their Impacts on the Department of War & the Defense Industry
Nick Vance; Sept. 1, 2026

Space Force Budget Growth Signals Opportunities for New Entrants
Nick Vance; July 29, 2026

Profile

Nick Vance, Vice President, provides his clients with unparalleled insight into the appropriations process.

Prior to joining SMI, Nick served as a Professional Staff Member on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee for four years. He led oversight of investment funding for the Department of the Air Force and managed funding for the Air Force and the Navy while on the minority staff.

Before his role on the Defense Subcommittee, Nick served as Legislative Director to Rep. John Rutherford (R), handling national security, foreign affairs, financial services, and veterans’ affairs portfolios. He also worked on immigration and agriculture issues for Rep. Kay Granger (R), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Nick also worked in the executive branch as a contractor supporting the Air Force Budget and Appropriations Liaison Office, offering insights into the appropriations process, and preparing Air Force leaders for engagements with Congress.

Education & Credentials

A native of Texas, Nick holds a B.A. in Political Science from Vanderbilt University, and an M.A. in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

Practice Areas

Advanced Materials
Aerospace & Space
Defense Industrial Base
Energy Innovation
Shipbuilding & Naval Technologies