Dj gribbin—Founder

Madrus Founder, DJ Gribbin, brings with him decades of infrastructure experience representing governmental and private clients. In this role, he advises clients on a broad range of legal, business, and policy issues impacting large infrastructure projects.

In addition to leading Madrus, he currently serves as a Senior Strategist for Hudson Bay Capital, a member of Meridiam’s Advisory Board, and a director on the Board of STV. He also holds appointments to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

Prior to founding Madrus, Mr. Gribbin was the United States’ first Special Assistant to the President for Infrastructure, where he led the development of the Administration’s $1 trillion infrastructure plan. In this capacity, he worked with fellow senior administration officials as well as governors and mayors across the nation to develop a new vision for pairing federal, state, and local resources to efficiently meet infrastructure challenges.

Prior to his time in the White House, DJ was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the General Counsel for the United States Department of Transportation, where he was awarded the Department’s highest achievement, the USDOT Gold Medal, on two occasions. Before that, he was the Chief Counsel for the Federal Highway Administration. Both roles afforded him a unique understanding of the intricacies of federal law as it pertains to transportation and infrastructure.

Within the private sector, DJ has been a leader in developing innovative strategies to finance infrastructure projects. He was the National Director for Strategic Consulting with HDR, where he advised clients on ways to expedite projects, increase revenue, and better visualize program oversight. Prior to that, he was the Managing Director and Head of Government Advisory at Macquarie Capital where he created and led their sell-side, private-public partnership business within the United States. He led advisory teams consisting of legal, technical, and financial experts to assist governments in attracting private equity investment in their infrastructure. He also served as a Senior Operating Partner at Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners and a former Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution.

His depth of experience managing projects from a public sector perspective, coupled with his extensive expertise in the private sector, combine to provide Madrus with the resources and ability to explore more efficient ways to develop and deliver projects in a consumer-friendly manner.

DJ’s CV can be found here.

Brigham McCown — Senior Advisor

Brigham A. McCown is a globally recognized authority in the domains of energy, infrastructure, national security, and transportation.

He currently holds the position of Chair of the Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure, is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Initiative on American Energy Security at the Hudson Institute, and functions as a Managing Principal at Nouveau. Additionally, he serves as an outside director and trusted advisor to various corporations. He is a Clinical Professor of law and policy at Miami University, and is an inaugural member of the federal government’s Infrastructure and Transportation Advisory Board.

At Hudson, he oversees initiatives aimed at advancing the United States’ energy independence, enhancing infrastructural resilience, and executing strategic resource policies.

Until 2022, Mr. McCown held the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, the organization accountable for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. His tenure was marked by a change in majority ownership and subsequent realignment of governance. During this period, Alyeska received numerous federal environmental awards, achieved a 100% system reliability rate, and realized financial efficiencies in both capital and operational expenditures, with no reportable spills or injuries.

Prior to his tenure at Alyeska, he provided counsel to cabinet secretaries from both political parties across four presidential administrations regarding policy, legal, and regulatory matters. He regularly testifies before Congress and before other governing bodies. As vice chair of the regulatory subcommittee of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee, he played a role in efforts to restore American leadership in space. He served on three presidential transition teams, including as co-lead for infrastructure and transportation, as head of the Transportation Department’s landing team, and as leader of the transition team at the Department of Defense for the Department of the Navy. Additionally, he was awarded the USDOT’s gold medal for his leadership in infrastructure restoration efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Mr. McCown is a retired naval officer and aviator and holds a commission as rear admiral (LH, hon.) in the U.S. Maritime Administration. He is also a life member of the American Bar Association Foundation. During his career in law, he served as a partner at multiple international law firms and appeared before the US Supreme Court. He is a frequent speaker and holds degrees in business, diplomacy, and law.

Abigail Gribbin — chief operating officer

Abigail Gribbin is a seasoned professional with eight years of diverse experience in project management, research, and corporate real estate. A proud graduate of Virginia Tech, Abigail has honed her skills through hands-on experience and a commitment to excellence.

In her previous role as Leasing Project Manager at a corporate real estate company, she expertly managed leasing activities for over 20 buildings along the East Coast, demonstrating exceptional organizational and strategic planning skills. Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless project execution and overseeing the day-to-day operations.

Beyond her desk, Abigail finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. A devoted parent and a military spouse, she enjoys baking with her three kids and going on adventures in each new assignment location. With a passion for balancing professional success and personal fulfillment, she is a dedicated individual who is committed to making meaningful contributions in and out of ther office.

Isaac Lubben — head of Research

Isaac G. Lubben is currently pursuing his interest in law with a degree in Political Theory at Patrick Henry College (PHC), located in Northern Virginia. Joining Madrus in March 2023, Isaac leverages previous experience in research and communications to support and extend the firm’s objectives.

Aiming to foster a vibrant campus community, Isaac has had the privilege to compete in civic debate, support the school’s International Justice Mission chapter, and serve as co-editor-in-chief for PHC’s classical liberal arts journal. Additionally, Isaac actively seeks practical experience and has undertaken political and corporate internships and employment. Prior to attending PHC, he had the opportunity to cultivate his communication abilities, winning state and regional Lincoln Douglas debate championships and supporting a local congressional candidate’s campaign by delineating issue positions and communications.

Deeply committed to integrity and conscientiousness, Isaac maintains a keen interest in law and business and looks to keep abreast of industry trends to capitalize on his experience and make meaningful contributions to the field.