Jackie Arends

Jackie Arends specializes in advising clients on succession planning, leadership transitions, and the recruitment of public company board directors. Based in Washington, DC, Jackie leads the Aviation, Aerospace, and Defense Practice for Russell Reynolds Associates, leveraging her more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of politics, government, and industry.

Jackie is renowned for her success in leading hundreds of US and global CEO, board, and executive-level searches, working closely with boards of directors and CEOs across a wide range of corporations, trade associations, federally funded research and development centers, national laboratories, and think tanks. She joined Russell Reynolds after 17 years with another top global search firm, where she also led the Aerospace and Defense Practice.

Jackie founded and led the Government Relations Practice for another global search firm for 15 years. She has a remarkable track record of success placing heads of corporate affairs and Washington offices, across industries. Jackie’s broad Washington experience and deep network of relationships have been instrumental in her ability to efficiently deliver excellent leadership solutions to boards of directors seeking CEOs of trade associations, and trade association CEOs seeking senior leadership talent for their organizations.

Jackie previously served two US Presidents and two Secretaries of Defense advising each on Senate-confirmed Presidential appointments within the national security arena. In addition to the DOD, she advised Cabinet Secretaries for the Departments of State, Energy, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, and NASA. In recognition of her service, Jackie was awarded the Secretary of Defense Award for Outstanding Public Service and the Secretary of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award. She actively serves on the board of the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation.