Jennifer Parker is a senior defence and national security executive with more than two decades of experience across the Australian Department of Defence, including senior leadership appointments and operational service in the Royal Australian Navy.

Her career has been defined by leadership in complex, high-consequence environments, advising at senior levels, and making decisions where judgement, credibility, and trust are critical. Jennifer has held senior Navy leadership roles with responsibility for workforce strategy, leadership development, and organisational performance at enterprise scale.

Jennifer works across defence, government, academia, and public policy, with a focus on defence and maritime strategy, force structure, alliance integration, and organisational readiness. She holds appointments as an Adjunct Fellow in Naval Studies at UNSW Canberra, an Expert Associate at the ANU National Security College, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Lowy Institute, and an International Fellow at the Council on Geostrategy. She also serves as a board director across professional and charitable organisations.

Widely recognised for her strategic insight and analysis, Jennifer is a trusted voice on national security, defence, and strategy. Her views are regularly featured in Australian and international media, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, BBC, CNN, ABC, and Sky News. She is also a sought-after speaker at senior defence, policy, and industry forums in Australia and internationally.

Jennifer’s leadership approach is grounded in service, accountability, and a clear-eyed understanding of risk and conflict. She is focused on practical outcomes that strengthen institutions, prepare people, and ensure Australia is equipped to meet the most demanding strategic circumstances since the Second World War.

At heart, Jennifer is a mariner from rural Australia, a perspective that continues to shape her approach to leadership, service, and strategy.