Jennfer M. Short

Jennifer Short is a transformational leader known for her ability to unite diverse groups through shared goals, strategic alliances, and dynamic stakeholder engagement. With a strong background in aerospace, legislation and safety, she excels in optimizing processes and enhancing productivity. Jennifer has a proven track record of inspiring high performing teams, effectively engaging stakeholders, and bridging communication across all audiences.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has demonstrated exceptional leadership in high-pressure environments. She served as the Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense. In this role, she expertly advised the Secretary on a wide range of consequential matters pertaining to the Military Services and operations globally, including the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza, Iran-backed Houthis attacks on U.S. and international vessels transiting critical sea lines of communication, enforcement operations at the southern border, and more. Her strategic vision and ability to achieve critical results has been recognized and trusted by senior leadership throughout her 30-plus years of service.

Jennifer’s roles have included spearheading strategic communication and collaboration between the Department of Defense, the Air Force, Space Force, and Congress, influencing legislative and budgetary decisions. She has also led the preparation of policy and planning for political-military affairs within the USINDOPACOM Area of Responsibility, advising military, political, economic, and strategic policies. Her leadership at the Pacific Air Forces ensured the provision of ready air and space power to promote U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific region during peacetime, crises, and war.

As Commander of the 23rd Wing, Jennifer managed over 71 aircraft and directed combat search and rescue operations across multiple locations. Her ability to take care of her people, streamline processes, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and drive operational readiness has been a hallmark of her leadership. Additionally, her strategic advisory roles have secured critical funding and support for military operations, demonstrating her capacity to influence high-stake legislative and operational outcomes.

Jennifer’s career is marked by her commitment to fostering an inclusive, results-oriented culture and driving innovation across complex environments. Her confident and commanding leadership continues to advance strategic objectives and empower teams to achieve excellence.

Jennifer graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Arizona State University. She graduated from the National War College with an MA in National Security and Strategic Studies. She has an MBA from Touro University International and completed the International Women’s Forum Leadership Fellowship at INSEAD and Harvard University Business School.