Leela Gray

Leela Gray is a retired United States Army brigadier general and nonprofit and corporate governance leader. Following her military career, she has served in leadership and board roles in nonprofit and corporate organizations and has remained engaged in public and civic affairs.^[1]

Leela Gray attended Elon University where she joined the ROTC. Gray earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from Elon University and a Master of Arts in journalism from Ball State University. She later obtained a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law^[2] and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. She holds a National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Directorship Certification.^[3]

Leela Gray was commissioned as a finance officer in 1988 and served in the 7th Infantry Division, Fort Ord, California, the Multinational Force and Observers, Sinai, Egypt, and as the executive officer to the commandant of the U.S. Army Finance School.^[4] Gray served in a series of command and senior staff assignments over a multi-decade career. She advanced through progressively senior leadership roles within the Army and Army Reserve, with responsibilities that included operational command, organizational leadership, and institutional management.

She was promoted to the rank of brigadier general, becoming a general officer in the U.S. Army. In this capacity, she served in senior leadership roles involving oversight of personnel, readiness, and mission execution within the Army Reserve structure.

Gray retired from military service at the rank of brigadier general.^[5]

After retiring from the Army, Gray transitioned into nonprofit and corporate governance roles.^[6] She served in leadership positions with organizations focused on veterans’ support, public service, and institutional governance. She also participated in corporate governance through board and advisory roles, drawing on her military leadership experience in areas such as oversight, compliance, and organizational strategy.^[7] Gray has remained active in public and civic affairs following her military career, including political engagement documented in independent media coverage.^[8]

On February 2, 2026, Gray announced her candidacy to run for the US House of Representatives in Florida's 13th congressional district.^[9][10]

Gray’s military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Multinational Force and Observers Medal, and Joint Meritorious Unit Award. She also holds the Office of the Secretary of Defense Staff Identification Badge and the Army Staff Identification Badge.^[11]