Undersecretary Wright to Step Down in March

By Terri Moon Cronk
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2014 – Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica L. Garfola Wright will step down from her position effective March 31, 2015, Defense Department officials announced yesterday.

A retired major general and former commander of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Wright submitted her letter of resignation to President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

Wright became the personnel and readiness undersecretary on Jan. 1, 2013. After 40 years of government service, Wright has decided to step down from her position to spend time with her family and enjoy her retirement, officials said.

As a senior policy adviser to the defense secretary, Wright oversees DoD recruitment, career development, and pay and benefits for 1.4 million active-duty military personnel, 1.1 million National Guardsmen and reservists, and 748,000 DoD civilians. She also oversees military readiness.

Before serving as undersecretary for personnel and readiness, Wright was assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs.

Yesterday at a Pentagon press briefing on DoD’s yearlong review of the military’s progress in the fight against sexual assault, Hagel thanked Wright for her “distinguished service” to the nation. Wright served as a member of the sexual assault prevention review.

“I asked Secretary Wright if she would stay on the job until this mission was complete,” Hagel said at the briefing. “She did, and I appreciate that. I know our Defense Department and men and women of this department appreciate it.”

Wright said serving as undersecretary for personnel and readiness has been one of the greatest privileges of her career, allowing her to serve with, lead and, most importantly, take care of DoD civilians, service members and their families, officials said.

(Follow Terri Moon Cronk on Twitter: @MoonCronkDoD)