Jason Gardiner

  • Universal Orlando in Florida
  • 2028 D.B.A. Practitioner-Scholar

Biography

Jason Gardiner is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and leadership-driven professional with over 15 years of combined experience in military operations, organizational leadership, and technical systems management. During his eight years of active duty, he served in Afghanistan, Japan, and various U.S. bases, holding key roles such as Maintenance Chief, Dispatcher, and Platoon Sergeant. He led complex logistics missions, supervised teams of over 200 Marines, and ensured operational readiness in high-stakes, multinational environments.

These international deployments shaped Jason’s leadership style, grounded in discipline, resilience, and mission-focused execution. His military career cultivated a deep understanding of team dynamics, accountability, and adaptability, which continue to guide his work today.

After transitioning into civilian life, Jason applied his technical expertise and leadership skills across several sectors, including the automotive industry and large-scale maintenance operations. His work in these environments reinforced his passion for operational efficiency, team development, and systems-based thinking.
He quickly recognized a disconnect between the caliber of leadership found in the military and that seen in many civilian organizations. Motivated to bridge this gap, Jason pursued formal education and earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Redlands in California, followed by two master’s degrees: a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MIS) from the University of South Florida.

Jason currently works for Universal Orlando in Florida, where he brings structure, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence to operational environments. He is also pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Rhode Island with research focused on veteran reintegration and leadership development. His goal is to help organizations better recognize the value of military-trained professionals and to support veterans in finding meaningful pathways to lead again beyond their service.

Outside of his professional work, Jason has been a proud member of the Brotherhood Marine Corps Riders for the past eight years. Through this motorcycle riding club, he actively volunteers and helps raise funds for the Semper Fi Fund — an organization dedicated to supporting disabled military veterans and their families. His continued service through this cause reflects his deep commitment to giving back to the veteran community and uplifting those who have sacrificed for others.

Despite all his accomplishments, Jason’s greatest pride is his family. Together with his wife Andrea and their three children — Oliver, Augustine, and Maximus — he finds joy in life’s simple moments, cherishing time together and living with gratitude and purpose.