WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2021 
FEATURED SPEAKERS

MG Leslie A. Purser began her military career on 25 May 1980, when she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the United States Army. She is a graduate of Military Intelligence Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, United States Army Command and General Staff School, and the United States Army War College. MG Purser is a distinguished military graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she received her BA Degree in Graphic Art, and the United States Army War College where she received her MSS Degree in Strategic Studies.

MG Purser has successfully held command and staff positions at every level. Some of her key assignments are Chief, Defense Intelligence Support Office-Iraq, Multi-National Forces-Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq, Deputy Chief, Army Reserve, Office of the Chief, Army Reserve; Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G-2, HQDA, Commander,108th Training Command (Initial Entry Training) Charlotte, NC, and Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Washington, D.C.

MG Purser's awards include the Distinguished Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and Bronze Star Medal.

She is married to Joe Purser and they have two children, Jennifer and Justin. Joe is retired from Army Cyber Command and is a retired Army officer. Jennifer is a major currently stationed at Ft Campbell, KY. Justin is also a major currently stationed at Ft Leavenworth, KS.

In retirement, MG Purser serves as one of three Army Reserve Ambassadors for the state of Tennessee, Board Member for the Eastern Tennessee Military Affairs Council (ETMAC), the Committee Chair for the Knoxville Chapter of Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), member of Mission: Readiness, and AMVETS Post 75 Fund Raising Officer. She was also recently selected as a Distinguished Alumna from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and serves on their Alumni Association Board.