Jennifer Ross currently serves in a senior capacity within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), specifically associated with the Chief Data and Analytics Office (CDAO). Her professional trajectory includes distinguished military service, extensive leadership in veteran-focused programs, and a progressive transition into high-level defense operational and analytical roles.
Professional Background and Military Service
Jennifer Ross completed a 27-year career in the United States Air Force (USAF), culminating with an additional 3-year tenure in the United States Space Force (USSF), from which she retired in 2023. Throughout her military career, she held multiple leadership and operational roles, including serving as an Intelligence Specialist. Her military service has been recognized by her receipt of the 2023 VCNG Continuation of Service Award while pursuing an Executive MBA at Cornell University's Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, reflecting her continued commitment to professional development and leadership excellence.
Current Role and Responsibilities within OSD
Within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Jennifer Ross holds a key leadership role as a senior advisor to the DoD Chief Data Officer (CDO), where she oversees the development and execution of department-wide executive analytics strategies aimed at improving data-driven decision-making processes. The Defense Business Board's April 2024 report, "Creating A Digital Ecosystem," cites her as a pivotal figure in advancing digital transformation initiatives, centralizing data initiatives, and leading innovation funding efforts under the Deputy Secretary of Defense's purview.
Furthermore, Ross functions as a Functional Community Manager (OFCM) for Human Resources initiatives related to the Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service (DCPAS), which tasks her with oversight of talent management, workforce culture, and diversity efforts across the department. Her expertise is frequently included in strategic planning documents such as the FY24 DoD Strategic Management Plan, which emphasizes workforce development, digital modernization, and joint training – initiatives aligned with her advisory role.
Education and Professional Development
Jennifer Ross has attained both an MBA and a Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL), complementing her military and analytical career with advanced management and leadership skills. Her participation in executive education programs and receipt of relevant academic awards highlight her focus on innovation in government hiring and veteran advocacy.
Veteran Advocacy and Community Engagement
Beyond her official capacities, Ross is closely involved with veteran-focused organizations, including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), where she contributes to policy advocacy and veteran empowerment initiatives. Her career post-military highlights a consistent mission to support veteran transitions and workforce integration, leveraging her extensive military experience.
Recognized Expertise and Influence
Jennifer Ross is recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Figures in National Defense by Defense News and Gannett, reflecting her impact across defense digital innovation and personnel management domains. Her leadership role bridges operational military experience and data-centric strategic transformation, positioning her as a key stakeholder in DoD's ongoing modernization efforts.
Key Details:
- Role: Senior advisor to DoD Chief Data Officer; OSD Functional Community Manager for HR (DCPAS)
- Military Service: 27 years USAF + 3 years USSF; retired 2023; Intelligence Specialist
- Education: MBA; Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL); Executive MBA candidate at Cornell (2023)
- Awards: 2023 VCNG Continuation of Service Award; recognized among 100 Most Influential in National Defense
- Areas of Focus: Data analytics and digital ecosystem development; veteran advocacy; HR/talent management; defense strategy integration
- Associated Reports: Defense Business Board "Creating A Digital Ecosystem" (Apr 2024), FY24 DoD Strategic Management Plan, DCPAS HRFC Newsletter (Aug 2023)
Jennifer Ross’s blend of operational military experience, strategic data leadership, and veteran advocacy underlines her as a critical influencer within the OSD framework, particularly at the intersection of human capital strategy and digital transformation initiatives.
