Stimson Center

06/16/2026

"I will miss his boundless can-do spirit, and of course that wonderful laugh and his energetic stride through the hallways of the Stimson Center in the early hours of the morning," writes Senior Fellow Rachel Minyoung Lee in her reflection.

https://www.stimson.org/2026/reflections-on-the-life-and-legacy-of-brian-finlay/

06/16/2026

"A lot of leaders talk about the workplace as a family, but Brian made it feel real. He led with warmth, curiosity, and humility, none of which dulled his extraordinary sharpness," reflects Senior Fellow Lauren Risi

Stimson Center staff, Board, and affiliates – past and present – reflect on the laughter, lessons, and impact of our beloved President and CEO

06/15/2026

"Brian was deeply immersed in the most important security issues of the day and endlessly curious. The respect he showed us gave us confidence to do our best work," writes Distinguished Fellow Barbara Slavin.

https://www.stimson.org/2026/reflections-on-the-life-and-legacy-of-brian-finlay/

06/15/2026

Join us on Thursday, June 18th to unpack future challenges and opportunities facing United Nations peace operations with Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce, the UN’s Acting Military Adviser.

🗓️ June 18, 2026
⏰ 2:00 to 3:15 PM ET

Join us to unpack future challenges and opportunities facing United Nations peace operations with Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce, the UN’s Acting Military Adviser.

06/15/2026

Join us on Thursday, June 18th to learn why standards-driven traceability systems are critical to strengthening trade enforcement while accelerating fair, compliant, and critical supply chains. Featuring Arielle Brown, Jeffrey Weiss, Jeff Wells and moderated by Robert Rosenberg.

🗓️ June 18, 2026
⏰ 9:30 to 10:30 AM ET

How standards-driven traceability systems are critical to strengthening trade enforcement while accelerating fair, compliant, and critical supply chains.

06/15/2026

"Brian Finlay’s fingerprints are all over Stimson. Traces of possibility, humility, graciousness, and integrity. Having Brian as a friend and colleague was my and our extraordinary gift," writes Distinguished Fellow David Kenneth Smith in his reflection.

https://www.stimson.org/2026/reflections-on-the-life-and-legacy-of-brian-finlay/

06/14/2026

"Brian was a giant – physically, professionally, and personally. He led by his example of boundless energy, creativity, and commitment to the cause of developing pragmatic solutions to difficult problems," reflects Fellow James Siebens

https://www.stimson.org/2026/reflections-on-the-life-and-legacy-of-brian-finlay/

06/13/2026

One staff member reflects on one story with Brian:

"In speaking with him for the first time, I discovered that he was and will likely remain one of the only people in Washington who knew exactly where my small Midwestern hometown was, and he shared fond memories about the town and his visits there. His ability to make me feel instantly at home at Stimson gave me encouragement to think that maybe Washington wasn’t nearly as bad as people said. Washington has certainly been a better place because of Brian Finlay, who was a truly decent man."

https://www.stimson.org/2026/reflections-on-the-life-and-legacy-of-brian-finlay/

06/12/2026

"My most cherished moment was during my first week at Stimson, when he told me he now sleeps at night knowing I am here. I am grateful that I could give him some peace," reflects Finance and Operations VP Vibha Bhatia in her reflection.

Stimson Center staff, Board, and affiliates – past and present – reflect on the laughter, lessons, and impact of our beloved President and CEO

06/11/2026

"From the start, Brian’s good nature, enthusiasm, curiosity, humor, and competence made him and Stimson an easy partner and a friend. He got things done and still made time to dance at my wedding," reflects Richard Cupitt in his reflection

Read more below

https://www.stimson.org/2026/reflections-on-the-life-and-legacy-of-brian-finlay/