The Naval War College Foundation (NWCF) is proud to announce the unanimous appointment of Ben Black and Justin Freeh to three-year terms on its Board of Trustees. Both individuals bring extensive leadership experience, strong ties to the military, and a steadfast commitment to advancing military education.

“As the Naval War College Foundation continues to broaden its leadership network nationwide, Ben and Justin are outstanding additions to our Board of Trustees,” said Daniel Holland, NWCF Chairman. “I look forward to collaborating with these accomplished professionals as we enter a new year dedicated to supporting the U.S. Naval War College.”

Ben Black

Ben Black serves as the Managing Partner of Fortinbras Enterprises, a New York-based investment firm he founded in 2020. His career spans roles as Senior Portfolio Manager at Knowledge Universe Holdings, a leader at Apollo Global Management, and as a corporate attorney with Sullivan & Cromwell. A grandson of a highly-decorated World War II veteran, Black and his family established the Black Family Fellowship, which provides financial support and professional opportunities to U.S. veterans and active-duty military attending Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Law School.

“I have always felt immense pride and a personal debt to the United States and its Armed Forces,” said Black. “My grandfather, a Technical Sergeant and Rear Gunner in the Army Air Corps during World War II, has always been my role model. Supporting the premier naval strategy institution is a meaningful way to contribute to our nation’s strength, education, and strategic capabilities. I am honored to join the Naval War College Foundation Board of Trustees.”

Black holds a JD/MBA from Harvard University, an LLM in Taxation from NYU Law, and a BA in History (cum laude) from the University of Pennsylvania. He also serves on several boards, including the Melanoma Research Alliance and Peninsula Real Estate.

Justin Freeh

Justin Freeh is the CEO and COO of Intelibits, LLC, a provider of AI and machine learning prototypes. He previously served as President and COO of SCATR, Corp., a cybersecurity firm delivering zero-trust transmission security solutions to the U.S. national security community. A former Navy SEAL, Freeh completed multiple deployments supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. In 2023, he was appointed to the Virginia Military Advisory Council by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Freeh is also the founder of the Custodes Libertatis Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides postsecondary education funding for the children of fallen U.S. Naval Academy graduates.

“The Naval War College Foundation has an exceptional mission to educate tomorrow’s national security leaders,” said Freeh. “I am excited to collaborate with my fellow Trustees to further the Foundation’s impact and the critical work of the U.S. Naval War College.”

Freeh holds a BS from the U.S. Naval Academy, a JD from Georgetown University Law Center, an MBA from Cornell’s Johnson Graduate School of Management, and an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He is a licensed attorney in Maryland and Washington, D.C., and serves as Of Counsel to FSS, LLP. He is an active member of YPO’s U.S. Capital Chapter, a Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a member of Business Executives for National Security.

“I am thrilled to welcome these two exceptionally qualified and passionate leaders to our Board of Trustees,” said CAPT George E. Lang, Jr., USN (Ret.), NWCF President and CEO. “Their expertise and commitment will significantly enhance the Foundation’s ability to support the U.S. Naval War College as we advance our mission to develop the next generation of national security leaders.”