Marissa Lemar

Marissa Lemar is a communications professional with 15 years of experience leading teams in marketing and digital communications across the public and private sectors. She is a communications consultant with Deloitte, where she has led an award-winning digital communications team in support of the Defense Health Agency. Her previous professional experience has included providing strategic communications in the human resources, research and development, informational technology, and health care spaces as a Department of Defense civilian and consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton.

Lemar has also served in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a public affairs officer for the past 10 years. Her service has taken her across the globe, including supporting the annual Pacific Partnership mission in Indonesia, exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian in the Republic of Korea, and a historic port visit in Vietnam. She is currently recalled to active duty to teach English at the United States Naval Academy.

Lemar earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brown University, a Master’s in Public Diplomacy from the University of Southern California, and a Master of Arts in Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Most recently, Lemar completed the WVU Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications degree as part of the DINFOS cohort.

Her civilian awards include PRSA Silver Anvils, as well as a Telly award, Shorty award, and Hermes Creative Award. Her military awards include two Navy Commendation Medals, a Joint Service Achievement Medal, two Navy Achievement Medals, and two Meritorious Unit Commendations.

Lemar is a published writer, having written for The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Mashable, and War on the Rocks, among others, on topics ranging from veteran and military affairs to health and fitness.

A native of Northern Virginia, Lemar currently resides in Annapolis, Maryland, with her family.