Claudia Kennedy
- Historic Leadership – As the first woman to achieve the rank of three-star general in the U.S. Army, Kennedy brings a groundbreaking perspective on leadership, perseverance, and succeeding in challenging environments.
- Leading with Courage & Conviction – Drawing on 31 years of military service, she shares lessons on taking initiative, making difficult decisions, standing on principle, and inspiring others to perform at their best.
- Turning Barriers into Opportunities – Kennedy’s journey from the Women’s Army Corps to Deputy Chief of Staff for Army Intelligence offers a powerful message about challenging expectations, embracing change, and opening doors for future leaders.
Claudia Kennedy Speaker Biography
Claudia Kennedy is the U.S. Army’s first female three-star general. She is also the Army’s deputy chief of staff for intelligence.
Kennedy graduated from Southwestern College-now Rhodes College-in Memphis, Tennessee and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1969 through the Women’s Army Corps. She served as deputy commander of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and assistant commandant of the U.S. Army Intelligence School, both in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Kennedy was also director for intelligence of the U.S. Forces Command in Fort McPherson, Georgia.
Her army service has taken her to Germany, Texas, and Hawaii, where she held several command and staff positions. These include stints as commander of the 3rd Operations Battalion at the U.S. Army Field Station in Augsburg, Germany, commander at the San Antonio Recruiting Battalion, and commander of the 703rd Military Intelligence Brigade in Kunai, Hawaii. In July 1995, Kennedy was appointed the Army’s assistant deputy chief of staff for intelligence, a position she held until her 1997 promotion to deputy chief of staff.
Kennedy has received numerous honors and awards during her military career including four Legions of Merit, which are awarded for “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performances of outstanding services and achievements.” She has also received four Army Commendation Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Meritorious Service Medals, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.
To book political speaker Claudia Kennedy call Executive Speakers Bureau at 901-754-9404.
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