Courtney Kagarise

Courtney Kagarise is an accomplished leader of multi-sector teams with 15 years of experience bridging the gaps between policy makers, operators, and technical staff in roles across the federal and private sectors. Her expertise is in strategic analysis and planning, allowing for optimal readiness and implementation of organizational capabilities.

Most recently, Courtney led the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) Department of Defense (DoD) – Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) partnership office. There, she improved healthcare access and quality for military and veteran beneficiaries through expanded collaboration and resource sharing between the two organizations. Courtney began her work at DHA several years earlier as the Agency’s Chief of Plans, Exercises, and Readiness where she held a leading role in the development of the DoD COVID-19 Vaccination Plan. While serving as Chief, she was selected for the highly competitive Defense Senior Leader Development Program. Through the Program, she graduated with honors from the National Defense University’s (NDU) Eisenhower School and completed a broadening assignment as a Senior Advisor implementing the groundbreaking PACT Act legislation at the VA. This role had a tremendous impact on Courtney’s career trajectory, cementing her desire to shape and implement programs to directly reach veterans and military-connected families, like her own.  

Courtney is the daughter of a Vietnam veteran who died of cancer connected to his military service. Her mother was a caregiver several decades before such a role was formally recognized, simultaneously raising two toddlers, ultimately, as a single mom. Courtney strives to emulate this tenacity and to support and honor the caregiver community.  

Courtney holds MS in National Resource Strategy from NDU and in Biodefense from George Mason University, and a BA in International Affairs and Spanish from Fairfield University. She is a wife, mother of two high-energy boys, and a marathoner.