Kimberly M. Mitchell, Ed.D.

Dr. Kimberly Mitchell is a nationally recognized advocate for service members, veterans, military families, and Gold Star Families. With a distinguished career spanning military service, nonprofit leadership, and government advisory roles, she has dedicated her life to supporting and empowering the military community. She frequently speaks at nationwide nonprofit, community, and corporate conferences, addressing the challenges of transition and reintegration for service members and veterans. She is currently an advisor to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

Kim’s commitment to veteran support is evident in her positions focused on veteran and military family success. Before her current role, Kim served as a Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs and as the Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) Liaison, strengthening collaboration between the VA and veteran advocacy groups. Positions before her tenure at the VA include Senior Vice President for Military and Government Affairs at National University, President and CEO of Veterans Village of San Diego, and President and Co-Founder of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, working with over 850 communities and thousands of organizations nationwide to assist service members transitioning to civilian life.

A 1996 United States Naval Academy graduate with a degree in ocean engineering, Kim served in the U.S. Navy for 17 years as a Surface Warfare Officer, holding leadership positions aboard surface ships and shore commands. In her final two years on active duty, she worked under the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as Deputy Director of the Office of Warrior and Family Support, focusing on initiatives to aid military families and veterans.

Kim has served on multiple boards, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF), Woody Williams Foundation, Infinite Hero Foundation, Kaplan Public Service Foundation, and the National University System Board of Trustees. She was also an advisor to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and a member of the VA Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans. A 2019 George W. Bush Presidential Center Stand-To Veterans Leadership Program Scholar, she holds a master’s degree in organizational management from The George Washington University and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Massachusetts Global. She was recently voted onto the University of Massachusetts Global Board of Regents.

In April 2021, President George W. Bush’s book Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants featured Kim's portrait and story, highlighting her extraordinary journey and contributions to the veteran community.