Jeri Thompson was born September 30, 1966, in the small town of Hastings, Nebraska. The family later moved to Naperville, IL, a suburb of Chicago.

Jeri graduated from DePauw University in 1988 with a degree in English Literature.  Her early professional career included stints as a mortgage banker in the Chicago area, as well as an ad executive in Nashville Tenn., for Speer Communications. In 1998, she joined the Republican National Committee, focusing on policy communications and directing media strategies during a time when the GOP was transforming the use of TV and radio communications, especially talk radio. Jeri later served as Director of Communications for the Senate Republican Conference.

In 2001, Jeri returned to the private sector, first with global public-relations firm, Burson-Marsteller, as a senior communications strategist and director of new business and later as a senior political and communications strategist for the law firm now known as Piper Rudnick.

In 2002, Fred and Jeri were married in her hometown of Naperville. In October 2003, with the birth of daughter Hayden, Jeri added the most rewarding role to her resume: mother. Three years later, son, Samuel Howard was born. Jeri also remains active in politics, providing strategic and fundraising advice and support to conservative candidates around the country. She also serves as a frequent commentator on politics, current events and family issues, for a number of organizations and media outlets, including Fox News, Pajamas Media, the American Spectator and the Washington Examiner.