Ms. Leeker serves as the Deputy Commandant, U.S Army Public Affairs School supporting the Cyber Center of Excellence. As Deputy Commandant she is leading the school through its activation and organizational transition to best support the Public Affairs career field through the Army’s transformation and integration efforts.
Ms. Leeker began her career as a Department of the Army Public Affairs intern and has been a part of the Public Affairs community as an Army civilian for 18 years. She has held several leadership and staff positions at the garrison level, at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Secretary of Defense programs, and as the Deputy for Public Affairs at the 4-Star tri-command strategic level in South Korea. She has led multinational, joint, military, and civilian teams. She has been responsible for developing narratives for deterrence operations, strategic communication plans, social media and website management, and developing guidance and making recommendations to the National Security Council.
Ms. Leeker holds a master’s degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from Army War College, and an Integrated Marketing Communication master’s in science from West Virginia University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations.
Jacqueline has completed several leadership programs to include the Department of Defense Executive Leadership Development Program, the Protocol School of Washington, and the Public Affairs Qualification Course at Defense Information School.
Ms. Leeker’s awards and decorations include the Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, U.S. Forces Korea Civilian of the Year, Korean Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal.
Jacqueline was born in Idaho and grew up in a family with a legacy of military service. Her great grandfather served in the Army Air Corps as a B-29 pilot during WWII, and her father served in the Navy as a Nuclear Engineer. Her personal passions include traveling, painting, sailing, and dog rescue.