A Historic Milestone for Diversity in Leadership
Yvonne L. Mays has made history as the first Black woman to lead the New Jersey National Guard. Promoted to Brigadier General on November 25, 2024, she also becomes the third Air Force officer to hold this esteemed position.
Her promotion, celebrated at the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville, marks a significant step toward increased diversity in military leadership. Governor Phil Murphy commended her groundbreaking achievement, stating, “After enlisting in the Air Force straight out of high school, she has spent more than four decades leading her fellow service members with strength and purpose. She will be a remarkable Brigadier General.”
Decades of Service and Unwavering Dedication
Mays began her military career in 1983, enlisting as an airman in the U.S. Air Force. Her journey spanned nine years on active duty, followed by six years in the reserve. Transitioning to the National Guard, she joined the South Carolina Army National Guard and earned her commission in 1999 from the Palmetto Military Academy.
Over her 40-year career, Mays held pivotal roles such as Commander of the Mission Support Group at the 177th Fighter Wing in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She also contributed to operations including Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and New Jersey’s COVID-19 response efforts.
Mays’s appointment reflects her ability to lead through challenges and exemplifies the power of representation in high-ranking military roles.
Leadership in Action: Overseeing the New Jersey National Guard
As Brigadier General, Mays now leads over 8,400 Soldiers and Airmen. She is also responsible for overseeing federal and state missions, including managing veterans’ programs and state facilities.
Prior to her promotion, she served as Acting Adjutant General and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping policies and ensuring the well-being of service members and veterans alike.
Inspiration for the Future
Mays’s story is a beacon of hope and progress for women and people of color in the armed forces. Her journey demonstrates how determination and resilience can break barriers, inspiring future generations to aim for leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Governor Murphy’s tribute encapsulates her legacy: “Her decades of service and her ability to inspire others will leave a lasting impact on the New Jersey National Guard and beyond.”
