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About BLUF

Bottom Line Up Front

BLUF Agency was built to give Army National Guard state-level Recruiting and Retention Battalions the specialized marketing support the mission demands. We are named for a military habit: put the bottom line up front. That is how we work and how we report.

Our story

Our leadership built and led the Regional Marketing Support Team at CACI International under the ARNG State Media Services Program, the team that designed, operated, and refined the ARNG marketing support infrastructure. We founded BLUF to restore those capabilities directly for the states.

As a woman-owned, veteran-owned small business, we bring focus most agencies cannot: we work the Army National Guard mission and nothing else. We hold SBA-certified EDWOSB, WOSB, and VOSB status, and we support ARNG recruiting in 20+ states and territories.

Leadership and Team

Nicole Wellman, Founder and CEO

Nicole Wellman

Founder and CEO

Army veteran and 20+ year recruiting marketing leader. Began as a US Army Public Affairs Specialist, then spent 9 years on the CACI Regional Marketing Support Team as Regional Marketing Representative and Training Lead, delivering ARNG marketing training across all 54 states and territories. Leads BLUF marketing strategy, training, and technology and AI innovation.

Beth Novak, Director of Operations and Project Management

Beth Novak

Director of Operations and Project Management

SRAG 1 and 6 Account Director

25+ years in marketing, advertising, and public relations. At CACI 2013 to 2021 she supported eight ARNG RRBs as a Regional Marketing Representative, leading research and analysis, marketing plans, campaign strategy, and training development.

Paul Kitzer, Director of Recruiting Marketing Strategy

Paul Kitzer

Director of Recruiting Marketing Strategy

SRAG 3 and 5 Account Director

Retired ARNG combat veteran; 13 years across ARNG marketing and recruiting (WIARNG, National Guard Bureau, PAARNG, FLARNG), plus 6 years supporting the State Media Services Program at CACI. Master's in Business, Bachelor's in Marketing and Economics.

Tiffany Rich, Director of Media Strategy

Tiffany Rich

Director of Media Strategy

SRAG 2 and 4 Account Director

15+ years of integrated media across defense and healthcare. At CACI 2009 to 2021: Media Buyer, then Florida RMST marketing representative, then Program Manager for the ARNG MOS job board program, delivering lead generation results and monthly metrics to NGB.

Amber Mlnarik, Director of Technology and AI

Amber Mlnarik

Director of Technology and AI

SRAG 7 Account Director

13 years of Army National Guard marketing at CACI, where she led SRAG 7, along with enterprise experience integrating AI and MarTech into global marketing operations. Pairs deep ARNG marketing experience with hands-on GenAI and technology expertise.

Georgie Eagle, Digital Marketing and Local SEO Manager

Georgie Eagle

Digital Marketing and Local SEO Manager

Specialist in Google Business Profile optimization, Recruiting Location Management, and structured social content. Strengthens digital discoverability and brand trust across multi-state programs.

Consultants

Mel Grimes

Strategic Advisor and Co-Founder

34-year military veteran with 20 years in Maryland ARNG marketing and recruitment. Over 16 years at CACI he established the Regional Marketing Support Team serving all 54 states and territories, then co-founded BLUF.

Heidi Dybeck

Data Analyst

Prepares and manages data for BLUF research studies, ensuring accuracy and reliability for GIS and market analysis.

Guy Britnell

Lead GIS Analyst

Leads BLUF GIS research studies, analyzing and interpreting spatial data for missioning, territory, and location analysis.

Get Started

Let's get your state on the map.

Let's talk about your state's recruiting and retention goals and how BLUF can help you reach them.

Contact Us