Resilient Leader | Advocate | Public Speaker
Jennie Taylor, a proud native of North Ogden, Utah, is a dedicated civic leader, advocate for military families, and a compelling public speaker. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a Master of Education from Utah State University, and she is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah.
Jennie's commitment to service was shaped during her time as a young full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Chile, Santiago North mission, where she spent four transformative months on Easter Island. This foundational experience was complemented by her marriage to Major Brent Taylor, whom she met on a blind date shortly after her mission. Their shared dedication to faith, family, and country guided them through 15 years of military service, including Brent's four deployments to the Middle East.
Tragically, Major Brent Taylor was killed in action in Afghanistan in November 2018 while serving as a member of the Utah Army National Guard and on leave from his role as Mayor of North Ogden. In the aftermath of this profound loss, Jennie emerged as a passionate advocate for the Gold Star and military survivor community. She was invested as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the State of Utah in December 2019, where she continues to champion the needs of military families.
As a sought-after public speaker, Jennie addresses audiences across the nation, sharing insights on the price of freedom, the importance of community support, and the responsibilities we bear to honor those who serve. She co-hosts the Relentlessly Resilient Podcast, providing inspiration and resilience strategies for individuals facing adversity.
Jennie's community involvement extends to various leadership roles, including serving on the Board of Advisors for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation and the Woody Williams Foundation. She is also an Ambassador for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and actively participates in her children’s schools, working with the Parent Teacher Association and Utah's School Community Council system.
A devoted mother to seven children, Jennie remains committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders. Her passion for education and youth development drives her efforts to create opportunities for children to prepare for a brighter future. Throughout her journey, Jennie Taylor embodies a legacy of service to God, family, and country, continually seeking ways to inspire others and carry forward her family's mission of impact.
Jennie Taylor's Story
Ten Reasons to Book Jennie Taylor as a Public Speaker
Proven Experience with Municipal and Government Leaders. Jennie’s extensive experience speaking at national and local government events—including the National League of Cities’ Annual Summit and the Utah League of Cities and Towns—has allowed her to understand the specific challenges faced by public sector leaders and communicate directly to their needs and concerns.
A Powerful Advocate for Civic Engagement. Jennie’s advocacy for community involvement and civic engagement speaks to the heart of local government work. She challenges municipal leaders to deepen their connections with citizens, foster collaboration, and empower communities to take ownership of their futures.
Personal Story of Leadership Through Adversity. As a military widow and mother of seven, Jennie’s personal experience navigating leadership through adversity resonates deeply with leaders in government. Her story provides a living example of resilience, perseverance, and leading through hardship—qualities that are crucial for public leaders.
Firsthand Insights on Resilient Leadership. Jennie’s leadership journey—shaped by 15 years as a soldier’s wife, including her husband Brent Taylor’s service as mayor of North Ogden and his tragic death in Afghanistan—offers invaluable lessons in leadership under pressure, crisis management, and resilience that can be applied in the public sector.
Champion for Patriotism and Service. Having lived through the sacrifices of a military family, Jennie brings a unique voice to conversations on patriotism, service, and duty. Her perspective reminds government leaders of the profound impact their work has on their communities and the
nation.
Real-World Strategies for Building Resilience in Public Leadership. Jennie doesn’t just share her story—she provides practical, actionable strategies for building resilience. From personal growth to team cohesion, her insights help leaders at all levels develop the mental and emotional strength necessary to thrive in the public sector.
Expert in Interpersonal Communication for Leaders. Jennie’s approach to leadership places a strong emphasis on effective communication, especially in times of crisis. Her talks on interpersonal communication help government leaders foster transparency, trust, and collaboration within their teams and with the public.
A Unique Perspective on Leading in Times of Crisis. Jennie’s firsthand experience as the widow of a fallen mayor—who was also the first sitting U.S. politician killed in action since the Civil War—gives her an unparalleled understanding of leading through tragedy and supporting communities in the wake of loss and change.
Inspiring Leadership Across Government Levels. Whether speaking to city council members, municipal staff, or state officials, Jennie’s message transcends hierarchical lines, motivating leaders at every level to elevate their leadership and make meaningful, lasting impacts on their communities.
Legacy Building for Public Servants. Jennie’s own journey of building a lasting legacy through her advocacy work and her husband’s memory encourages municipal leaders to think beyond their immediate terms and focus on long-term solutions that will benefit future generations of citizens.
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