USAA Names Mara Motherway Senior Vice President and Head of Government Relations

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--USAA today announced the appointment of Mara Motherway as Senior Vice President and Head of Government Relations. A retired U.S. Navy officer, longtime USAA member and accomplished public policy leader, Motherway brings more than three decades of experience spanning military service, national security, business and government affairs. She will lead USAA’s government relations strategy, advancing legislative, regulatory and public policy priorities that strengthen the financial security of military families and support the long-term success of the association.

Motherway’s appointment reflects USAA’s commitment to bringing together military experience and deep public policy expertise to serve members in a rapidly evolving environment. Her leadership will help strengthen the association’s engagement with policymakers, regulators and industry partners on issues affecting military families and the banking, insurance and financial services products they rely on every day.

“USAA has always been a strong voice for those who serve our nation, and effective engagement with policymakers is essential to delivering on that mission for future generations,” said Juan C. Andrade, President and CEO, USAA. “Mara brings exceptional experience across military service, government affairs and business leadership. She understands how public policy shapes the lives of our members and will help strengthen USAA’s voice and influence on the issues that matter most to the military community and the long-term success of our association.”

“Mara has built and led government relations and public policy organizations throughout her career, earning trust and credibility across government, industry and the military community,” said Bob Johnson, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, USAA. “She understands how to translate complex policy issues into meaningful outcomes for our members and our business. Her leadership will strengthen USAA’s advocacy and ensure the perspectives of military families continue to be heard where decisions are made.”

Motherway joins USAA from Lockheed Martin, where she served as Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, overseeing strategy and business development for the Aeronautics portfolio of advanced military aircraft programs and modernization and sustainment solutions worldwide. She previously held senior roles at Booz Allen Hamilton, Peraton, Epirus and BAE Systems, where she built, scaled, and led business development, government relations, and military affairs organizations across defense and national security markets.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Motherway served more than 20 years in the U.S. Navy and held a wide range of leadership roles and global assignments, including combat operations in the Middle East.

“USAA has been part of my family’s journey for many years, both as a member and throughout my time and my husband’s time in uniform,” said Motherway. “I understand the sacrifices military families make because I have lived them. I am honored to join an organization that has spent more than a century serving those who serve, and I look forward to advancing policies that strengthen financial security, support our members and ensure USAA remains a trusted advocate and leader for the military community.”

Motherway joins a growing number of veterans and military family members helping to shape USAA’s future. More than half of USAA’s Board of Directors have served our nation, and nearly 25% of employees are veterans or military spouses. That lived experience helps ensure the needs of the military community remain at the center of USAA’s advocacy, products and services.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University, and a master’s degree in national resource strategy from the National Defense University, where she was a distinguished graduate.