Tracy Pakulniewicz
Tracy Pakulniewicz is a senior national security, homeland security, and strategic communications executive with more than 20 years of experience advising senior government leaders, building cross-sector partnerships, and advancing complex policy initiatives across the Executive Branch, private sector, and nonprofit communities. Her expertise spans defense policy, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, organizational transformation, and international collaboration.
Most recently, Tracy served as Senior Advisor in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, where she advised on policies affecting military readiness, recruiting, retention, the National Guard and Reserve, and military family programs—an enterprise exceeding $8 billion. She also represented the United States in engagements with NATO Allies and the NATO International Staff, helping advance alliance-wide initiatives focused on recruiting, retention, workforce modernization, and expanding opportunities for women serving across allied militaries.
Previously, Tracy served as Chief of Staff for Strategy, Policy, and Plans at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where she helped lead strategic planning and interagency coordination on national security priorities, including preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026, international partnerships, and enterprise-wide policy initiatives.
Throughout her federal career, she has worked closely with senior political leaders, military officers, and career executives to translate strategic priorities into coordinated action across complex organizations. Her federal service also includes leadership roles within the Office of the Secretary of Defense and service in the White House during the Clinton Administration, where she supported communications, public engagement, and interagency initiatives.
Outside government, Tracy has held executive leadership positions in the private sector and nonprofit community, including leading strategic initiatives for ManTech International, directing external relations for the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 in partnership with The Royal Foundation, and advising organizations on growth strategy, communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement.
Known for connecting policy, strategy, and execution, Tracy helps organizations navigate complex challenges, build trusted partnerships, and communicate effectively with government, industry, and public audiences. Her experience working across defense, homeland security, Congress, international partners, and the private sector enables her to bring a collaborative, mission-focused perspective to clients operating in today's rapidly evolving policy and security environment.