Lieutenant Colonel Stephanie Drake is a native of Carmichael, California. In 2005 she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps following graduation from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography. She competed on the varsity soccer team for the Midshipmen. In 2006, she graduated from The Basic School and Logistics Officers Course.
She immediately reported to Combat Logistics Company 21, CLR-2 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and served there from 2006 to 2007 as the Aerial Port OIC. In 2006 Lieutenant Drake represented the USMC on both the All-Navy & All Armed Forces soccer teams.
In 2007 Lieutenant Drake joined Security Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 8 and deployed to Fallujah, Iraq serving as Executive Officer, Security Company. While deployed Lieutenant Drake led the first “Sisters of Fallujah” program, training the initial female police in Fallujah.
In 2008, Lieutenant Drake joined Combat Logistics Regiment-25, dual-hatting as the H&S Company Commander and Regimental Operations Officer. Lieutenant Drake completed her MBA from Boston University in the fall of 2008. During this time Lieutenant Drake also competed on the All-Marine Women’s volleyball team.
In 2009, Lieutenant Drake reported to Marine Barracks Washington, 8th&I, where she was promoted to Captain and held roles as the S-4A and Marine Corps Institute Logistics OIC. She was selected as a member of the marching staff and represented the Marine Corps in dozens of Evening and Sunset Parades and official functions throughout the National Capital Region.
In 2013, Captain Drake departed active duty and began a career in logistics and supply chain operations with Shell Oil Company in Houston, Texas. From 2013-2019 she served as a Capital Projects Senior Buyer, Deer Park Manufacturing Site Materials Manager, and Logistics Operations Manager, Shell Lubricants, South & West - US. In 2019 she became the Executive Director of NextOp, a 501-3c non-profit with a mission to recruit, develop and place middle enlisted leaders into civilian careers as they depart the service.
During this time Major Drake completed Expeditionary Warfare School, Command & Staff, and served as an IMA for the Marine & Family Services, Marine for Life Program. In 2021 she was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and selected for Battalion Command with Combat Logistics Battalion 453, Aurora, CO.
LtCol Drake’s personal decorations and awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2nd award), Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3rd award), and DoD Female Trailblazer award (2008).