Careers in Security and Defense
Shawn G. Skelly is currently performing the duties of Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, previously having served as Assistant Secretary of Defense and Readiness. She helps formulate training, readiness, and health policy for the armed forces. Until 2008, Ms. Skelly also served in the U.S. Navy, with 20 years in active duty. Afterwards, she worked in the private sector at ITT Elixis, later joining the Obama Administration and holding roles in the Departments of Defense and Transportation focusing on logistics and personnel. As the DoD’s highest-ranking openly trans official, Ms. Skelly co-founded the organization Out in National Security and has previously participated in other organizations devoted to LGBTI advocacy in government. Ms. Skelly is from New York City, studied history as an undergraduate at the University of South Carolina, and received her master’s degree in national security and strategic studies at the U.S. Naval War College.

Please join us for a candid conversation on a career trajectory spanning from the military into DoD civilian leadership and the impact of gender on both current work and career.

A Gender and Security Program (funded by the Keck Center).