With more than three decades of service in the United States Army, Jami Shawley’s experience spans across tactical, operational, and strategic leadership roles. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Jami was among the first cohort of women to fly armed and attack helicopters and led aviation operations across the United States, the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. Her career includes command at every level, serving six consecutive years as a Commanding General, culminating as the Commanding General of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, leading multinational forces in Africa advancing national objectives in a complex security environment.
Jami served in strategic-level senior interagency and policy roles, including assignments on the Joint Staff and the Department of State. Most recently, she served in the White House National Security Council in the dual role of Director of Defense Policy and acting Senior Director for Africa Policy.
Balanced with her reserve military career, Jami has worked in private commercial enterprise, specifically as Chief Operating Officer and Strategic Advisor for multiple early-stage businesses and startups with successful acquisitions, notably in drone and communications sectors. Throughout her career, Jami has continued to provide strategic consultation and advise organizations on strategy, leadership, and organizational change, bringing deep experience in decision-making under pressure and leading through uncertainty.