Claudia Kennedy

Claudia Kennedy graduated from Southwestern College, now known as Rhodes College, in Memphis, Tennessee with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in June 1969 through the Women’s Army Corps.

Her military education is extensive, including completion of the Women’s Army Corps Officer Basic Course, Military Intelligence Officer Advanced Course, the Junior Officer Cryptologic Career Program at National Security Agency, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College. Kennedy made history by becoming the U.S. Army's first female three-star general. She began her role as the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence in May 1997.

Throughout her impressive career, Kennedy has held a variety of command and staff positions. Key assignments include: Commander, 3d Operations Battalion, U.S. Army Field Station Augsburg, Germany; Commander, San Antonio Recruiting Battalion, U.S. Army Recruiting Command; and Commander, 703d Military Intelligence Brigade, Field Station Kunia, Hawaii. Additional roles included Operations Officer, U.S. Army Field Station Augsburg, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command; Staff Officer, Directorate of Training, Office of Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, Washington, DC; Director of Intelligence, G2, Forces Command, Fort McPherson, Georgia; Deputy Commander, U.S. Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca/Assistant Commandant, U.S. Army Intelligence School at Fort Huachuca, Arizona; and Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Headquarters, Department of the Army, Washington, DC. Her service included assignments in Germany, Texas, and Hawaii.

Kennedy's distinguished service has earned her numerous honors including four Legions of Merit and four Army Commendation Medals. Her presentations focus on Leadership, Motivation, Politics & Current Events, and Women's Issues, providing insights drawn from her trailblazing military career.