Jerry Gonzalez is an Assistant Director at Arizona State University’s Office of Media Relations & Strategic Communications. He joined ASU in 2014 after a 20+ year career in the U.S. Air Force. At ASU, he oversees media activities supporting university initiatives, leads crisis communications planning, manages press requests, and serves on the Salute to Service planning committee.
During his military career, Jerry held assignments across the U.S., Europe, Japan, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Notably, he served as Director of Public Affairs at Luke Air Force Base (2008–2011), leading internal communications, media relations, and community outreach for an installation of 7,000 servicemembers. He also deployed in support of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, serving as a counterpropaganda officer, training Afghan security forces in public affairs, and leading public information efforts in Iraq.
Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from the University of Nebraska Omaha and a master’s in Military Operational Art and Science from the Air Force’s Air University Air Command and Staff College. He also graduated from the Defense Information School’s Public Affairs Officer Qualification Course and multiple leadership programs throughout his military career.