Jenna Potratz
Jenna Potratz is the Assistant Director for Safety and Security at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, where she leads key aspects of campus safety operations in support of a secure and welcoming academic environment. In her current role, she oversees the campus parking program, manages operational processes, and supports coordinated emergency response efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
Guided by her philosophy that “people first equals great success,” Jenna brings a service-oriented, people-centered leadership style to her work, recognizing that caring for teams and individuals directly strengthens organizational outcomes.
Jenna’s career is rooted in service and security. Her early volunteer experience with the Civil Air Patrol sparked an interest in search-and-rescue and emergency operations, which later led to 6.5 years of service in the U.S. Navy as a Master-at-Arms. During her military career, she served in high-security environments, including guarding nuclear assets in Washington State and conducting overseas law enforcement and security operations. Her service was recognized with multiple Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for leadership, crisis management, and mission excellence.
Following her military service, Jenna worked with the Belgrade Police Department in records management, gaining valuable administrative and operational experience before transitioning into higher-education campus security. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management and holds certifications in Crowd Management and Emergency Telecommunication. Jenna also volunteers with organizations such as Marine Toys for Tots and the Civil Air Patrol.
Across every role, Jenna remains committed to service-driven leadership, preparedness, and to building safe environments that enable individuals and communities to thrive.
• Crowd Management
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE FIRE MARSHALS
• Managing Police Records
• Excel: PivotTables for Beginners
• IS-100
• IS-200.C
• IS-700.B
• IS-800.D
• IS-300
• IS-400
• Security Specialist
• American Red Cross course: Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
• Bachelor’s Degree (in progress), Emergency and Disaster Management
(American Military University)
• Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, 2024
• Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, 2021
• Good Conduct
• Honored with unit “Rudis” awards for dedication and service
• Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
• Civil Air Patrol
• BSG Entertainment/Live In The Vineyard/Live In The Ballpark
• US Navy
• Three Forks Area Ambulance
• Gallatin County Sheriff Search & Rescue
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a life of service to God and to others, applying the knowledge and skills gained through training and experience, investing in and supporting my team, and maintaining the physical and mental readiness needed to lead effectively.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“Serve well where you are, and the right opportunities will follow.”
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Work hard and achieve everything you can. Don’t walk away from commands or assignments that offer growth. Earn the highest qualifications available, work for opportunities rather than expecting them to be handed to you, and be grateful for what you receive.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in my field is adapting to new professional cultures while maintaining strong safety standards. Transitioning from military or traditional law-enforcement roles into campus security requires learning different team dynamics, communication styles, and measures of success that align with educational missions.
Industry-wide, campus safety professionals are also responding to increased mental-health needs, resource constraints, and the expectation to provide security in ways that are both effective and compassionate. These challenges offer opportunities to develop more collaborative, student-centered safety models that build trust while enhancing preparedness and resilience.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Service is the foundation of my work and personal life—service to God and to people. I place a high value on caring for others, investing in those I lead, and creating environments where individuals feel supported and safe. I am also committed to continual learning and maintaining physical and mental readiness, which I believe are essential to responsible leadership and effective service, and are always areas for growth and refinement.