USAA Announces Lieutenant General (Retired) David F. Melcher as Chairman of the Board

Longtime USAA Board Director succeeds outgoing Chairman Vice Admiral (Retired) James M. Zortman following years of leadership and service to USAA

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--USAA today announced Lieutenant General David F. Melcher, U.S. Army (Retired), has been named Chairman of the USAA Board of Directors, succeeding Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired) James M. Zortman as part of a planned leadership transition.

In the military, a change of command marks both an ending and a beginning. It is a moment to recognize the leaders who carried the responsibility of command while entrusting that responsibility to the leader who will carry it forward. For USAA, a company founded by 25 soldiers and built to serve the military community, the transition reflects that same tradition of stewardship and service.

Zortman concludes his tenure as Chairman after having served on the USAA Board of Directors since 2013 and as Chairman since 2021. A longstanding USAA member for 54 years, his service to the Association has spanned a period of transformation. As Chairman, he helped provide oversight as USAA strengthened its financial and operational foundation, navigated a rapidly changing insurance and financial services environment and sharpened its focus on delivering for members.

“This is an important moment for USAA, and one that comes with a great deal of gratitude,” said Juan C. Andrade, President and CEO of USAA. “Vice Admiral Zortman has given so much to this Association. His steady leadership, judgment and commitment to our members have helped guide us through periods of considerable change, and we are stronger because of it. Lieutenant General Melcher is the right leader to build on that progress. He knows USAA, understands our members and brings tremendous experience and perspective to the role. I look forward to working with him as we continue strengthening USAA, delivering for our members and positioning the Association for what comes next.”

Melcher assumes the Chairman role after nearly seven years of service on the USAA Board, most recently as Vice Chairman. During that time, he has helped oversee the Association’s strategy and shape its direction.

“I am proud to serve as Chairman of an Association that has meant so much to me and my family for more than five decades,” said Melcher. I have seen firsthand what this Association means to the military families we serve. I look forward to working with my fellow directors, Juan and the USAA team to build on the progress underway, keep our members at the center of our decisions and ensure USAA continues earning their trust every day.”

Melcher served more than three decades in the U.S. Army before holding senior leadership roles in the private sector. He also brings extensive corporate governance experience, having served in board leadership roles across the defense, aerospace and health care industries.

He has remained actively involved in the military community through his work with nonprofit organizations supporting service members, veterans and their families. Melcher has also been a USAA member for more than 51 years, giving him both a personal connection to the Association and a deep understanding of the responsibility USAA carries for its members.

A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Melcher holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Master of Public Administration from Shippensburg University.

About USAA

Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking and retirement solutions and serves more than 14.5 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA has offices in seven U.S. cities and four overseas locations and employs more than 36,000 people worldwide. Each year, USAA supports national and local nonprofits serving military families and communities. With Honor Through Action, USAA advances policy, advocacy and philanthropy to support financial security, build meaningful careers and promote overall well-being across the military community. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or X (@usaa), or visit usaa.com.