Courtney Stecker was sworn in as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on February 24, 2025, following his appointment by President Donald J. Trump. In this role, he provides strategic counsel to the Secretary, Chief of Staff, and senior leadership on department-wide programs and policies. Drawing on his military service and extensive experience advising across the federal landscape, Mr. Stecker works to advance innovative solutions that enhance support for service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers.
With nearly two decades of expertise in performance improvement, change management, executive strategy, and business continuity, Mr. Stecker brings a results-driven approach to leadership. Prior to joining the VA, he served as Associate Director at Guidehouse, where he led multidisciplinary teams supporting federal clients in areas such as Test & Evaluation, Risk Management, Organizational Realignment, Crisis and Business Continuity Management, Capability Development, and Cybersecurity Program Management.
Mr. Stecker began his career in public service by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 2002, following his high school graduation and in response to the events of 9/11. He served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the elite 3rd Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard,” deployed to Iraq with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula (CJSOTF-AP), and concluded his service with the 1/175th Infantry, Maryland National Guard. He is a graduate of Airborne and Ranger School, among other military programs, and holds the Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) designation from DRI International.
Mr. Stecker earned a Bachelor of Liberal Studies in International Affairs from Georgetown University and a Master of Science in Communications from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. An Army and Iraq War veteran, he is a dedicated advocate for veterans and military families.
Mr. Stecker resides in Falls Church, Virginia, with his wife Judy, their two sons, Wheeler and Read, and their two yellow Labradors.