U.S. Marine Corps Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

The U.S. Marine Corps has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, operations, and administration.

Driven by a mission to conduct task forces on land, at sea, and in the air, U.S. Marine Corps operates with the United States Navy, Army, and Air Force, projecting global power and readiness.

Leadership Roles at U.S. Marine Corps

  • Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Edward Gardiner
  • Chief Information Officer - Jamie Markol
  • Chief of Staff - Terence Trenchard
  • Instructor Pilot. Chief of Staff - James Cappabianca
  • Chief of Staff, Marine Division - Kemper Jones
  • Chief of Staff, MCB Quantico, VA - Thompson Gerke
  • IC4 Division Chief of Staff - Robert Coulombe
  • Business & Support Services Chief of Staff - Francisco Badiola
  • Chief Operations Officer - Christopher Earley
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Matt Brigadier
  • Edward Gardiner - Deputy Chief Financial Officer

    Edward Gardiner, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at U.S. Marine Corps, supports the strategic financial management and resource allocation for the entire organization. Gardiner assists in overseeing budgets, expenditures, and financial planning to ensure optimal funding for land, sea, and air operations. This role is critical for maintaining fiscal responsibility and maximizing the impact of financial resources across all mission-critical activities. By ensuring robust financial controls and strategic investment, Edward Gardiner contributes directly to the operational readiness and long-term sustainability of the U.S. Marine Corps. The Deputy Chief Financial Officer's work underpins the effective deployment of assets and personnel in support of national security objectives.

    Jamie Markol - Chief Information Officer

    Jamie Markol, the Chief Information Officer at U.S. Marine Corps, directs the strategic implementation and oversight of all information technology systems and digital infrastructure. Markol ensures the secure and efficient flow of critical data across land, sea, and air operations, directly supporting the Corps' mission readiness. This leadership role involves architecting robust cybersecurity protocols and driving technological innovation to maintain a decisive information advantage. By optimizing network capabilities and digital communication platforms, Jamie Markol enhances operational effectiveness and inter-branch collaboration with the United States Navy, Army, and Air Force. The Chief Information Officer's purview extends to managing IT budgets, fostering digital transformation initiatives, and ensuring compliance with federal technology standards, thereby safeguarding vital national security assets.

    Terence Trenchard - Chief of Staff

    Terence Trenchard, the Chief of Staff at U.S. Marine Corps, orchestrates the administrative and operational functions supporting the Corps' highest leadership. Trenchard ensures seamless coordination across various departments, facilitating the execution of directives related to land, sea, and air operations. This critical role involves managing staff activities, advising on strategic initiatives, and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources to meet mission objectives. By streamlining communication channels and overseeing internal processes, Terence Trenchard enhances the overall operational tempo and effectiveness of the U.S. Marine Corps. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include developing strategic plans, coordinating inter-agency efforts with the Navy, Army, and Air Force, and ensuring the readiness of task forces deployed globally.

    James Cappabianca - Instructor Pilot. Chief of Staff

    James Cappabianca, the Instructor Pilot. Chief of Staff at U.S. Marine Corps, integrates operational flight expertise with high-level staff management. Cappabianca provides critical insights into air combat readiness and tactical deployment, directly informing strategic planning for land, sea, and air operations. This dual role ensures that flight training standards remain exceptionally high while also managing key staff functions that support the Corps' broader mission. By bridging the gap between tactical aviation and strategic command, James Cappabianca enhances the effectiveness of air assets and their integration into joint operations with the Navy, Army, and Air Force. The Instructor Pilot. Chief of Staff's contributions are vital for maintaining air superiority and ensuring the successful execution of complex missions worldwide.

    Kemper Jones - Chief of Staff, Marine Division

    Kemper Jones, the Chief of Staff, Marine Division at U.S. Marine Corps, directs the operational efficiency and strategic alignment of a specific Marine Division. Jones ensures that the division's resources and personnel are optimized for executing land, sea, and air operations effectively. This leadership position involves coordinating divisional activities, advising the commanding officer on critical matters, and fostering a culture of excellence and readiness. By managing complex logistical chains and operational planning, Kemper Jones directly contributes to the U.S. Marine Corps' ability to deploy rapidly and achieve mission success. The Chief of Staff, Marine Division's focus on internal coordination and external collaboration with other branches, including the Navy, Army, and Air Force, is paramount to sustained operational superiority.

    Thompson Gerke - Chief of Staff, MCB Quantico, VA

    Thompson Gerke, the Chief of Staff, MCB Quantico, VA at U.S. Marine Corps, oversees the comprehensive operational and administrative functions of Marine Corps Base Quantico. Gerke ensures the base effectively supports training, readiness, and logistical requirements for units engaged in land, sea, and air operations. This role demands meticulous management of base resources, personnel, and infrastructure to facilitate the Corps' overarching mission. By optimizing base operations and inter-departmental coordination, Thompson Gerke enhances the support structure for Marines preparing for global deployments. The Chief of Staff, MCB Quantico, VA's leadership is crucial for maintaining the operational integrity of a key installation and its seamless integration with broader U.S. Marine Corps and joint force objectives.

    Robert Coulombe - IC4 Division Chief of Staff

    Robert Coulombe, the IC4 Division Chief of Staff at U.S. Marine Corps, manages the strategic and operational execution for a specific division focused on information and communication capabilities. Coulombe ensures that the division's technological assets and personnel are aligned to support critical land, sea, and air operations. This leadership position involves directing complex projects, optimizing resource allocation, and advising on the integration of advanced communication systems. By enhancing the division's operational readiness and strategic impact, Robert Coulombe directly supports the U.S. Marine Corps' mission objectives. The IC4 Division Chief of Staff's expertise is vital for maintaining secure and effective information flow across all operational theaters and joint force endeavors.

    Francisco Badiola - Business & Support Services Chief of Staff

    Francisco Badiola, the Business & Support Services Chief of Staff at U.S. Marine Corps, directs the operational efficiency of essential support functions that underpin the Corps' mission. Badiola oversees services critical for personnel welfare, logistics, and administrative operations, ensuring seamless support for land, sea, and air task forces. This leadership role involves optimizing resource utilization, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring compliance with organizational standards. By streamlining business processes and support functions, Francisco Badiola directly contributes to the overall readiness and operational effectiveness of the U.S. Marine Corps. The Business & Support Services Chief of Staff's focus on internal operational excellence enables deployed units to concentrate on their core combat missions.

    Christopher Earley - Chief Operations Officer

    Christopher Earley, the Chief Operations Officer at U.S. Marine Corps, directs the execution of all operational plans and mission readiness initiatives across land, sea, and air domains. Earley ensures the seamless integration of tactical operations, logistical support, and personnel deployment to achieve strategic objectives. This pivotal role involves overseeing the day-to-day activities that maintain the Corps' high state of preparedness and operational tempo. By driving efficiency and effectiveness in operational execution, Christopher Earley directly enhances the U.S. Marine Corps' capability to respond to global challenges. The Chief Operations Officer's leadership is fundamental to maintaining the Corps' position as a premier expeditionary force.

    Matt Brigadier - Chief Administrative Officer

    Matt Brigadier, the Chief Administrative Officer at U.S. Marine Corps, oversees the critical administrative functions that support the Corps' extensive personnel and operational infrastructure. Brigadier ensures the efficient management of human resources, personnel records, and internal policies, facilitating smooth operations across land, sea, and air deployments. This leadership position is vital for maintaining organizational integrity and supporting the well-being of all Marines. By optimizing administrative processes and ensuring compliance, Matt Brigadier directly contributes to the overall readiness and effectiveness of the U.S. Marine Corps. The Chief Administrative Officer's role is foundational to the seamless functioning of the organization and its ability to execute its diverse missions.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding U.S. Marine Corps Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads U.S. Marine Corps?
    U.S. Marine Corps is led by Edward Gardiner (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Jamie Markol (Chief Information Officer) and Terence Trenchard (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of U.S. Marine Corps’s executive team?
    The executive team of U.S. Marine Corps includes leaders such as Edward Gardiner (Deputy Chief Financial Officer), Jamie Markol (Chief Information Officer), Terence Trenchard (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does U.S. Marine Corps have?
    U.S. Marine Corps has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in U.S. Marine Corps’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of U.S. Marine Corps includes roles such as Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff, Instructor Pilot. Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff, Marine Division.