COL Forrest is a faculty member at the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, National Defense University, Fort McNair, Washington D.C..
Prior to her time at Eisenhower, she served on Active Duty with the Maryland Army National Guard in a variety of roles culminating as the Staff Judge Advocate (General Counsel). As the SJA she was the senior legal advisor during challenges associated with riots, record weather events, the COVID 19 response, and civil disturbance in D.C.
COL Forrest was born in Hartford, Connecticut. She joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 1999 as a Legal Clerk. In 2001 she received a commission as Second Lieutenant from Pennsylvania State University ROTC as a Quartermaster Officer. In 2010 she was appointed as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General Corps.
During her career, COL Forrest served as a platoon leader, Assistant Brigade S1, Materiel Management Officer, Commander, Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, Chief of Administrative Law, Law of Land Warfare Officer, and Deputy Staff Judge Advocate. She participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 2/28th BCT.
COL Forrest received a BA in Journalism from Penn State with minors in political science and military studies. She received a JD from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2006 with an area of concentration certificate in public and government service. She is a 2021 superior graduate of the US Army War College with a Masters of Strategic Science.
COL Forrest lives in Annapolis MD where she is raising three children and a flock of suburban chickens. In addition to her National Guard role, COL Forrest is a chapter advisor to Alpha Sigma Alpha, ET Chapter, and serves on the board of directors for the Bay Community Support Services. She has recently served as lacrosse coach, Girls on the Run Coach, and Girl Scout leader. She is the 2020 Ms. Veteran America First Runner Up.