The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOT Memorial Foundation), the congressionally-designated non-profit foundation tasked with organizing, fundraising, and coordinating efforts to build the national Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., today announced that GWOT Memorial Foundation Director of Operations and Army veteran Marina Jackman will succeed Michael “Rod” Rodriguez as President and CEO. Rodriguez will work closely with Jackman and GWOT Memorial Foundation leadership as President Emeritus and as a member of the Board of Directors.
Under Jackman’s direction, the GWOT Memorial Foundation will continue to advance its mission of erecting a national memorial to honor those who have served, are currently serving, and will serve in the longest ongoing military conflict in United States history, the Global War on Terrorism.
Since February, Jackman has served as the GWOT Memorial Foundation’s Director of Operations, and in that role, she has been instrumental in leading Foundation efforts to secure a location for the Memorial within the Reserve on the National Mall. In her new role as President and CEO, she will direct the GWOT Memorial Foundation as it navigates the 24-step process for establishing a national memorial in Washington, D.C.
“This is a dynamic time for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, and I’m humbled and honored to continue advancing the foundation’s mission as President and CEO,” Jackman said. “Rod has been a consistent advocate for all who serve, a friend and a mentor to me, and he is an indispensable asset to the GWOT Memorial Foundation. With his guidance and partnership, I look forward to taking the GWOT Memorial Foundation to even greater heights. As we move ever closer to our goal of building a Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall, we remain — first and foremost — committed to honoring the sacrifices made by service members, veterans, civilians, and their families.”
Jackman received her Army commission in 2011 and spent eight years as a Medical Service Corp Officer stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She held numerous leadership positions within the 44 th Medical Brigade including as a Platoon Leader, an Executive Officer, and Brigade Adjutant. Jackman also served as the Department of Surgery Chief Administrative Officer and ultimately as a Company Commander for Womack Army Medical Center. Marina is passionate about honoring those that serve our Country and the commitment of their families.
A native of Danbury, Connecticut, Jackman holds a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Fordham University and an MBA from The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. She lives in Fayetteville, North Carolina with her husband, who is currently serving as a Special Operations Officer, and has three children.
As the GWOT Memorial Foundation’s President and CEO, Jackman is the first woman ever to lead an organization tasked with building a national whole-of-conflict memorial in the United States.
