Jay served for twenty years as an active-duty naval officer, including leadership roles on ships, with special operations forces, in the Pentagon and at intelligence agencies. He authored a number of intelligence assessments for national leadership focused on Russia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, and led interagency teams to exploit intelligence for US and Allied decision-makers. He is currently transitioning from active duty to civilian life and is enjoying engaging in new avenues of service, including as an Adjunct Professor of Government at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Jay received his undergraduate degree in International Affairs from The George Washington University, and graduate degrees in national security studies from the U.S. Naval War College and Marine Corps University.

Jay and his wife Liz are the proud parents of baby Margaret, and look forward to meeting their daughter Alexandra in heaven. They are members of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, Virginia, where they serve in a variety of internal and community-facing ministries.