Jean F. Durham, born in New Orleans in 1981, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in October 1999 and became an Aviation Operations Specialist. She served at Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 in Cherry Point, N.C., and deployed to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, from December 2001 to June 2002 for Operation Northern Watch.

From December 2003 to May 2008, she was the Operations Chief for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 at MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, deploying to Okinawa, Japan, and Al Assad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007. After returning from Iraq, she entered the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program, attended Savannah State University, and commissioned as an officer in 2011.

As a Public Affairs Officer, she served at MCRD Parris Island from October 2012 to May 2015. Then, as the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit Public Affairs Officer, she was deployed primarily off the coast of Libya during Operation Odyssey Lightning. She later worked as the Marketing and Communication Strategy Officer for the 9th Marine Corps District and as a Joint Public Affairs Officer in Norfolk, VA.

After retiring on February 1, 2022, Jean transitioned into a new career as an Executive Leadership Coach based in Savannah, Georgia. In this role, she leverages her extensive military experience and leadership skills to help individuals and organizations enhance their leadership capabilities. Jean specializes in fostering self-awareness among leaders, guiding them to recognize their inherent strengths and areas for growth.

Her coaching approach emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s leadership style and its impact on team dynamics and organizational culture. By helping leaders ignite self-awareness, she empowers them to make more informed decisions, improve their interpersonal relationships, and cultivate a positive work environment.

In addition to her coaching practice, Jean is an accomplished speaker, speaking with various professional groups and organizations such as New York Life, The Society of Professional Women (Main Line Chamber of Commerce), Savannah Women in Business, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Her speaking engagements cover a range of impactful topics, including:

-Self-Awareness: Jean discusses the significance of self-awareness in effective leadership, providing insights on how leaders can better understand their emotions, motivations, and behaviors to enhance their effectiveness.

-Women in Leadership: She addresses the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in leadership roles, sharing strategies for overcoming barriers and fostering inclusivity within organizations.

-Organizational Culture: Jean explores how leadership influences organizational culture, emphasizing the role of leaders in shaping a positive, productive workplace environment that aligns with the organization’s values and goals.

Through her coaching and speaking engagements, Jean aims to develop the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of modern leadership challenges. Her mission is to inspire and empower leaders to reach their full potential, ultimately contributing to the success of their teams and organizations.

Her personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.