Prendergast attended Bates College in Lewiston, Maine and graduated in 1990 with a degree in political science.

[4] Prendergast was commissioned in 1994 after attending the Oregon Military Academy's National Guard Officer Candidate School.

[4][5][6] It was announced by U.S. Army Africa in Vicenza, Italy that Prendergast was chosen to succeed as the deputy commander of the unit effective July 11, 2017.

[6] On July 17, 2017, Prendergast halted military work in recognition of Nelson Mandela Day and partnered with local South African animal shelters and troops to provide free medical treatment to dogs who spread disease throughout the city of Postmasburg as a way of "giving back to the community".

"[10]He officially took command of specialized American military forces in South Africa with a delivery of 31,000 MREs (meals ready to eat), and instructed the 800 U.S. soldiers in the area to begin on-site reconnaissance on August 1, 2017.