Jenn Short

Jennifer Short

Lieutenant General, U.S. Air Force, Retired

General Jennifer Short is a transformational executive leader with a 30-year track record of shaping strategy, leading enterprise operations, and driving cross-sector impact at the highest levels of national defense and government. Known for aligning diverse stakeholders through shared vision and outcome-driven leadership, she brings deep expertise in aerospace, governance, legislative affairs, and strategic risk management.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has demonstrated exceptional leadership in high-pressure environments. Most recently, she served as Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense under two presidential administrations. In this cabinet-level advisory role, she was a principal influencer of defense strategy and operations, providing counsel on global military affairs across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and U.S. homeland defense. She earned the trust of top leaders in guiding decisions with lasting national and global implications. Her strategic vision and ability to achieve critical results has been recognized and trusted by senior leadership throughout her 30-plus years of service.

General Short has led complex, multi-agency collaboration across the Department of Defense, Air Force, Space Force, and Congress—helping secure critical legislative outcomes and billion-dollar program funding to advance defense modernization, cyber strategy, and space capabilities. As a senior strategist for Indo-Pacific policy, she managed high-level military and diplomatic coordination in the most strategically contested region in the world. Her leadership 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, she led 6,000 personnel and oversaw 71 aircraft across multiple sites. She was responsible for combat search and rescue missions globally, while streamlining operations, improving readiness, and enhancing workforce resilience. A collaborative and inclusive leader, General Short brings a sharp understanding of risk management, talent development, and performance optimization. Her advisory contributions have influenced defense modernization, public-private partnerships, and strategic innovation across sectors.

General Short brings unmatched experience in oversight, enterprise risk, public policy, and geopolitical strategy. She offers valuable perspective to boards seeking depth in regulated industries, aerospace and defense, government affairs, or national security. Her experience navigating complex institutions and delivering results at scale positions her as a trusted voice on strategy, operations, and governance. 

General Short holds a B.S. in Marketing, Magna Cum Laude, from Arizona State University, an MBA from Touro University International, and an M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the National War College. She is also an International Women’s Forum Leadership Fellow, with executive training from INSEAD and Harvard Business School.

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