Mrs. Valerie Jackson - Valerie Jackson has more than two decades in federal service, principally as a United States Marine. As the Director of the Krulak Center, she leads a civilian and military team that creates programming and opportunities for all University students and faculty, Marines around the Fleet, and our partner organizations. Before coming to the Krulak Center, she was an arbitrator and non-profit board member in Dallas, Texas. Her areas of expertise include conflict management and resolution, civil-military operations, international relations, and strategic studies. She has led and commanded Marine units throughout her career, and has spent time as an instructor at the Marine Corps Civil Military Operations School and as the senior editor and field historian for the Marine Corps History Division. She is a current member of the Marine Toys for Tots Board of Directors and a member of the Northern Virginia chapter of SheepDog Impact Assistance, serving veterans and first responders.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

LtCol Manuel Zepeda -  LtCol Zepeda enlisted into the Marine Corps on 15 June, 1998 as a tanker. Later he earned his commission through the Platoon Leader's Course (PLC) on 28 March, 2002. He is an infantry officer by trade and has completed EWS, CSC,  the U.S. Army's Command and General Staff Course and JPME II through the Joint Forces Staff College. Currently, LtCol Zepeda is an Assistant Professor and has earned a master's degree in International Relations through New England College. His personal decorations include: Bronze Star Medal with gold star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat "V" and gold star, and the Combat Action Ribbon with gold star.

MISSION

Inspired by its namesake, the Brute Krulak Center for Innovation & Future Warfare enables an interdisciplinary approach to complex problem solving, fosters an environment that enhances our collective warfighting capability, and facilitates and encourages novel solutions to current and future warfighting challenges in order to expand the Corps’ competitive edge and improve our warfighting effectiveness. 

Read the official Krulak Center Charter HERE.