USAA Appoints Vice Admiral Craig Clapperton to Board of Directors

Retired Navy leader brings decades of military leadership and experience navigating technological change and complex operating environments

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--USAA today announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Craig Clapperton, U.S. Navy (Retired), to its Board of Directors, effective September 1.

For more than a century, USAA has been guided by leaders with deep military experience and a commitment to those who serve. Clapperton adds to that legacy, bringing 36 years of military leadership and extensive experience across national security and technology.

Clapperton’s career spanned some of the most consequential changes in modern warfare, from traditional sea and air power to the emergence of cyber, space and artificial intelligence. He commanded at sea, including the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, and later held senior leadership roles across U.S. Cyber Command and U.S. Navy Space Command. Across those assignments, he led large, global organizations at the intersection of military operations, national security and rapidly evolving technology.

“Craig brings a rare combination of military leadership, operational experience and deep technology expertise,” said Lieutenant General David F. Melcher, U.S. Army (Retired), Chairman of the USAA Board of Directors. “Throughout his career, he has led people and organizations through extraordinary complexity and change while remaining focused on the mission. That experience and perspective will be invaluable to our Board as we continue strengthening USAA and ensuring the Association is positioned to serve our members for generations to come.”

“For 36 years, I had the privilege of serving alongside sailors and military families and seeing firsthand what they give in service to our country,” said Clapperton. “That stays with you long after you leave uniform. Joining USAA’s Board gives me an opportunity to continue serving this community in a different way, and I look forward to helping ensure USAA continues to be there for military families when they need it most.”

Throughout his career, Clapperton was recognized not only for his operational leadership, but also for his commitment to developing the people he led. He received the Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Award for Inspirational Leadership, one of the Navy’s most prestigious leadership honors. Since retiring from military service, he has remained engaged in national security, technology and leadership as an advisor and educator.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in national security studies from the U.S. Naval War College, where he was a member of the Stockdale Group. He is also a distinguished graduate of the Navy Nuclear Power School.

About USAA

Founded in 1922 by 25 soldiers, 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.