Claudia Flores

About

Claudia Flores was a veteran fellow at the Hoover Institution.

Flores began her Navy career as an enlisted cryptologic linguist, later earning a commission as an intelligence officer. She deployed to combat theaters of operations to lead intelligence support and held many leadership positions within demanding operational and national level assignments. She spearheaded intelligence support for Joint Staff collaboration with the National Security Council. She also served as special aide to the Assistant Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, facilitating interagency matters for international relations and politico-military concerns in support of Secretary of State travel. Following military service, she served as a policy director in state government with the Department of Veteran Services, leading efforts to shape legislation and programs that directly impact veterans and military families. Recognizing the need for stronger support networks during the military-to-civilian transition, she founded Chimney Trail Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing veteran camaraderie and fostering a renewed sense of purpose. She holds a Ph.D. in public administration, with research focused on the role of public institutions in improving veteran transitions and workforce development.