ABOUT JUSTIN OBERMAN
Justin Oberman was born and raised in the 5th Congressional District and, from his earliest days, was instilled with the importance of public service by his family. He is the only candidate in this race with senior Federal Government experience, and as an entrepreneur today he is directly impacted by the weakened U.S. economy. This experience base, outside of elected office in Illinois, makes him uniquely qualified to serve the people of the 5th District and bring to Washington leadership that reflects the values of our communities.
For more than 12 years, Justin has been an innovator in the transportation and homeland security industries for public benefit. His career in government started when he joined the staff of Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, the sole Democrat in a Republican cabinet, in July 2001.
Justin was on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001 and like so many Americans, the tragedy of 9/11 changed his life. Following the attacks on our nation, Justin assisted in the creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before becoming TSA’s first Assistant Administrator for Transportation Threat Assessment and Credentialing and co-chairing a working group on Homeland Security reform.
From July 2003 until his departure in December 2005, as an Assistant TSA Administrator, Justin reported directly to the head of the agency, running an office of more than 125 employees with an annual budget of $150 million. Justin and his team set up programs to safeguard our airports, seaports, mass transit systems, and the trucking industry from potential terrorist threats, and worked with the FBI on a daily basis to analyze threat information.
Justin also worked closely with senior Department of Homeland Security and White House principals, as well as Congressional policy makers and key outside stakeholders such as privacy groups and labor unions.
After rejoining the private sector in 2005, Justin continued his work in transportation and security, working for L-1 Identity Solutions and as a consultant for investment funds. Two years later, he co-founded NEXA Capital Partners, a financial advisory firm focused on aviation, aerospace, and clean technology companies.
In 2007, Justin joined President-elect Barack Obama’s advisory committee on homeland security. His policy work focused on transportation security, state and local law enforcement and emergency management, and privacy rights. Justin was also proud to volunteer in the President-elect’s field campaign, taking trips to multiple states to knock on doors, make phone calls, and ensure that voters could participate in the election.
Justin learned the value of hard work and honest governing from his parents. His father, Marty, now an attorney, was a leader of independent aldermen in the Chicago City Council, fighting against waste, fraud, and abuse and on behalf of working men and women across the city. His mother, Bonnie, leads a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing curriculums in public schools in Chicago and the suburbs, and teaching our children about the perils of racism and genocide. His sister, Maren, a librarian and teacher, now mentors educators in the Chicago Public Schools.
Justin was born and raised in the 5th District and received a B.A. with High Honors from Wesleyan University (CT) where he focused his studies on government and how Congress operates. Justin currently resides in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, not far from his childhood home.
He seeks your support in this election to return to Washington at another time of crisis, one that threatens the livelihoods of working families in the 5th District, around Illinois, and across the country.