PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
 

Jill is the recipient of the 2010 Department of Defense “Woman of The Year” (Senior Professional Woman's Association) Excellence In Leadership Award.

She was unanimously recognized and chosen because of her thoughtful and tenacious advocacy on behalf of Returning Warriors with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS).

Her innovations, connections and more importantly her leadership in this arena, both as an Active Duty Army Officer for over 28 years and now as the owner of THIS ABLE VET, LLC ( A Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business) have led to the ongoing creation of unprecedented policy and cultural changes specifically in the area of Mental Health for Returning Warriors.

Having successfully recovered from her own PTS following attacks on the Pentagon on 9-11 she brought together such noted international thought leaders as Dr Martin Seligman (Founder of Positive Psychology at U Penn) and Dr Richard Carmona (Recent U.S. Surgeon General) to strengthen the development and delivery of a team and a new strategy for increasing and ensuring resiliency for those who face combat related adversity.

Her vision was delivered initially to current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs ADM Mike Mullen and current Army Chief of Staff GEN George Casey, who swiftly built on it and empowered it for use by the Army. The strength of Jill’s comprehensive vision is evidenced by the fact that all of the Service branches are now beginning to embrace it.

Armed with two Masters Degrees and the priceless experience and connections that come from having served directly for the past four Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs and the current Chief of Staff of the Army, Jill is a Subject Matter Expert on Returning Warrior Issues connected with Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).

Having visited Iraq 6 times in the last 18 months, she maintains a hands on understanding of “ground truth” regarding the challenges faced by Warriors in transition and the stigma that often inhibits wellness for those who have faced adversity or combat related trauma.

She brings this understanding to bear currently sitting on two national boards examining, developing and affecting Governmental and public policy for Returning Warriors with PTS. Selected by the White House, she is currently serving a three-year term for the Small Business Administrations Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs as well as the American Legion’s Ad Hoc Committee for Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress.

Most recently Jill has been selected to serve on the Advisory Board for the Institute for Veterans and Military Families out of Syracuse University.

Her remarkable interpersonal skills, critical thinking, open-mindedness, innovative approaches and commitment to absolute integrity make her the consummate leader and team player.

EXPERIENCE

Chief of Enlisted Management – Fort Bragg, NC

Chief of Officer Records – Fort Bragg, NC

Company Commander – Fort Bragg, NC

Mobilization Officer – Fort Monroe, VA

Account Manger – Fort Monroe, VA

Company Commander – 8th PERSCOM Korea

Brigade Adjutant – 7th Transportation Group Fort Eustis, VA

Deputy Adjutant General – Fort Eustis, VA

LTC Assignment Officer – Human Resource Command, VA

Executive Officer, Combat Service Support – Human Resource Command, VA

Military Secretary – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff - Pentagon

Division Chief, Strategic Communications – Army Staff Pentagon

Chief of Mission for 4th Military World Games – Hyderabad India

Protocol Director – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff - Pentagon

Special Assistant for Returning Warrior Issues – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff - Pentagon

Special Assistant for Returning Warrior Issues – Chief of Staff of the Army - Pentagon

EDUCATION

Masters in National Resource Strategy – Industrial College Of The Armed Forces 2004

Command and General Staff College – Fort Leavenworth, Kansas 1991

Masters in Public Administration/Human Resources – Old Dominion University 1982

Bachelor of Science in Public Administration – Christopher Newport University 1980

AWARDS

Legion of Merit – US Army 2009

Distinguished Soldier Award – Union League 2008

Defense Superior Service Medal – Joint Staff – Pentagon 2007

Defense Meritorious Service Medal – Joint Staff - Pentagon 2003

Air Assault Badge – US Army 1979

Distinguished Military Graduate – Christopher Newport University 1980 

AFFILIATIONS

Member - Advisroy Council for the Institute for Veterans and Military Famlies

Member – Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs - SBA

Consultant – American Legion Ad Hoc Committee for TBI/PTS

This Able Vet, LLC – Founder and Chief Manager

Michael Peterson, My Real Life Tour / TAG You’re It - Partner

My Real Life Tour, LLC – Vice President

Adjutant General’s Corp Regimental Association – Potomac Chapter

American Legion – Post 88 Nashville, Tennessee

Military Child Education Coalition – Active Member

Senior Women’s Professional Association – Washington DC

Council of International Sport D’Militarie – Member