Lieutenant Colonel Perez joined the Marine Corps in 1996 and graduated from Logistics Officer Course in 1998. On Active Duty for 12 years, she served as the S-4 Officer for a Marine Tactical Air Control Squadron and a Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS), supporting exercises in Asia and southern California; the MALS’s move from Tustin to Miramar; and the activation of SS Curtiss, a proof of concept for aircraft maintenance afloat. After graduating from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2001, LtCol Perez led cross-functional teams from Marine Corps Systems and Logistics Commands to develop processes for fielding new equipment. In 2002, she was selected for a collaborative billet between the Deputy Commandants of Aviation and Installations & Logistics to integrate air and ground logistics processes. She participated in initiatives that enabled Marines aboard ships to order supplies from the Navy’s system, the evolution from the Force Service Support Group model to Marine Logistics Group, and the transition from a flat-file ordering system to Oracle-based Global Combat Support System. LtCol Perez resigned her commission in 2008 to pursue a career in civilian supply chain management and joined the Reserves in 2013. As a Reservist, she has served as a Company Commander and was mobilized for Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL and NATO’s Resolute Support mission, advising Afghan units in Helmand and Nimroz Provinces.
LtCol Perez holds a JD and MS in Management. Her awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with one star, Navy Commendation Medal with two stars, Navy Achievement Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device.