At IAVA: Jess serves as the Director of Policy & Advocacy at IAVA, where she brings strength, empathy, and strategic vision to advance IAVA’s policy priorities by amplifying veterans’ voices and engaging directly with Members of Congress and relevant committees to improve the lives of servicemembers and post-9/11 veterans.

Professional Background: Prior to joining IAVA, Jess served 20 years in the United States Air Force as a career Korean linguist. After completing multiple tours to South Korea and a deployment to Iraq, Jess was selected for the prestigious Department of Defense Legislative Fellowship program, where she served as Representative Chrissy Houlahan’s Defense Fellow and subsequently as an Air Force Congressional Budget & Appropriations Liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives.