Professional Experience

Paulette Risher is the sole practitioner in Learning for the Journey, LLC.  She is also twice retired, once as a civilian Organizational Psychologist with the United States Air Force and once as a Major General (2-Star) in the United States Army. With 34-years of active and reserve service, Paulette was the first woman to serve in U.S. Special Operations Command as a General Officer. Returning to active duty after 9/11, Paulette served as the President of the Joint Special Operations University, the Director of U.S. Special Operations Command’s Center for Knowledge and Future (J7/J9), and as the Deputy Commander for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs. Upon leaving active duty, Paulette joined Booz Allen Hamilton and led their Organization, Strategy, and Learning team in Huntsville for three years and subsequently served as the Principal Director for Huntsville Operations for DigiFlight, Inc.

Paulette then served as the President/CEO of Still Serving Veterans (SSV), a Huntsville-based non-profit. Prior to assuming the position of President/CEO, Paulette served as SSV's Chief Programs Officer for five years.

Today, Paulette works through her sole-practitioner consulting practice, Learning for the Journey, LLC, which she established in 2009. Paulette is committed to helping individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses create human thriving and professional impact. 

Paulette is a lifelong learner. She holds a BS and MA in Psychology, as well as an MEd. Paulette is a graduate of both the Army War College and the Air War College.

Paulette serves on the Executive Board of the Redstone-Huntsville Chapter of the Association of the United States Army and as a Board Advisor to the Huntsville Rehabilitation Foundation (dba Phoenix). Paulette is also a member of the International Positive Psychology Association.

Paulette serves as the Co-Chair of the Alabama Challenge to Prevent Veteran Suicide and as the Vice-Chair of the Alabama Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee. In December 2022, Paulette was awarded the Alabama Distinguished Service Medal, the State’s Highest Award for Civilian Service, by Governor Kay Ivey. In 2025, Paulette received two Life Time Achievement Awards, one from the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) and one from the North Alabama Veterans and Faternal Organization Coalition (NAVFOC).