USAA Executive and Leadership Team

Michael Barger, the Principal, Chief Executive Officer Communications at USAA, directs all internal and external messaging strategies. By aligning corporate narratives with the unique needs of military members, Barger ensures consistent brand messaging across all digital channels. This leadership role involves managing high-level stakeholder engagement and overseeing the dissemination of critical financial information to a global member base. Through the development of comprehensive communication frameworks, Barger strengthens the connection between the organization and the military community. Michael Barger also coordinates with other executive leaders to maintain transparency in insurance and banking product updates. By refining the voice of the organization, Barger supports the broader mission of providing accessible financial solutions. This focus on clear, impactful messaging drives member trust and reinforces the reputation of the firm as a reliable partner for those serving in the armed forces.

Mary Pawelek, the Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, Support & Director at USAA, governs the strategic direction of the entire financial services organization. Overseeing the board and executive support functions, Pawelek ensures that all insurance and investment products remain tailored to the specific requirements of military families. This leadership role involves setting long-term growth objectives and maintaining the financial health of the firm. By fostering a culture of excellence, Mary Pawelek drives operational efficiency across all departments. Pawelek also manages the alignment of corporate governance with the evolving needs of the military community. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, Pawelek secures the stability of the company. This commitment to excellence supports the delivery of high-quality financial planning services. Ultimately, Pawelek maintains the integrity of the institution while expanding the reach of digital banking solutions to members stationed throughout the world.

Joann Petersen, the Director, CFO Compliance Risk Management at USAA, architects the framework for identifying and mitigating financial risks across the organization. By overseeing compliance protocols, Petersen ensures that all banking and insurance operations adhere to strict regulatory standards. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to protect the assets of military members and their families. Joann Petersen also collaborates with financial teams to implement robust risk management strategies that support long-term stability. Through the continuous monitoring of internal controls, Petersen prevents potential vulnerabilities in the financial planning services provided by the firm. This focus on risk mitigation allows the organization to innovate within the digital banking space while maintaining high security. By fostering a culture of accountability, Petersen ensures that all departments operate within established guidelines. Ultimately, Petersen secures the financial future of the membership by maintaining rigorous oversight of all compliance activities.

Chelsey Opareaddo, the Assistant Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Information Technology at USAA, manages the financial planning and budgeting for all technology-related investments. By overseeing the allocation of capital for digital infrastructure, Opareaddo ensures that the firm maintains a robust platform for banking and insurance services. This leadership role involves analyzing the return on investment for new software and hardware initiatives. Chelsey Opareaddo also collaborates with the technology team to align financial resources with the strategic goals of the organization. Through the careful management of IT budgets, Opareaddo supports the development of innovative tools for military members. This focus on financial discipline allows the firm to scale its digital capabilities while maintaining cost efficiency. By providing clear financial insights, Opareaddo enables the leadership team to make informed decisions regarding technology upgrades. Ultimately, Opareaddo secures the financial foundation required to deliver cutting-edge digital solutions to members worldwide.

Justin Kah, the Financial Analyst & Chief Financial Officer, Spoke Insight Delivery & Information Governance at USAA, directs the analysis of data to provide actionable financial insights. By overseeing information governance, Kah ensures that data used for banking and insurance decisions remains accurate and secure. This leadership role involves developing frameworks for data delivery that support the financial planning needs of military families. Justin Kah also monitors the integrity of financial reporting to maintain compliance with industry standards. Through the implementation of advanced analytical tools, Kah identifies trends that inform the strategic direction of the firm. This focus on data-driven decision-making allows the organization to offer personalized financial solutions to its members. By managing the flow of information, Kah enables other executives to optimize their respective departments. Ultimately, Kah supports the long-term growth of the company by ensuring that data serves as a reliable foundation for all financial services.

Parker Fennell, the Manager, Transformation Initiative & Chief Financial Officer, Data & Technology at USAA, leads the financial planning for large-scale digital transformation projects. By overseeing the integration of new data technologies, Fennell ensures that the firm remains at the forefront of the financial services industry. This leadership role involves managing the budget for technology-driven initiatives that enhance banking and insurance products. Parker Fennell also collaborates with cross-functional teams to execute transformation strategies that improve member experiences. Through the careful monitoring of project costs, Fennell ensures that transformation efforts deliver measurable value to military members. This focus on financial oversight for technology projects allows the organization to innovate while maintaining fiscal responsibility. By driving the adoption of modern data tools, Fennell supports the overall mission of providing accessible financial solutions. Ultimately, Fennell enables the firm to adapt to the evolving needs of the military community through strategic technological investment.

James Gonzales, the Process Engineer Lead, Chief Financial Officer Business Process Management and Automation at USAA, architects the automation of financial workflows to increase operational efficiency. By overseeing business process management, Gonzales ensures that banking and insurance services are delivered with speed and accuracy. This leadership role involves identifying bottlenecks in financial operations and implementing automated solutions to resolve them. James Gonzales also collaborates with financial teams to standardize processes that support the needs of military families. Through the continuous refinement of operational workflows, Gonzales reduces costs and improves the quality of financial planning services. This focus on process automation allows the firm to scale its operations while maintaining a high level of service. By leveraging engineering principles, Gonzales drives the modernization of internal financial systems. Ultimately, Gonzales supports the delivery of seamless financial solutions by optimizing the underlying processes that power the organization.

Kayan Mckreith, the Chief of Staff at USAA, coordinates the daily operations of the executive office to ensure seamless execution of corporate strategy. By managing cross-functional initiatives, Mckreith facilitates communication between the leadership team and various departments focused on banking and insurance. This leadership role involves prioritizing key projects that support the financial well-being of military members. Kayan Mckreith also monitors the progress of strategic goals, ensuring that all teams remain aligned with the core mission of the organization. Through the optimization of internal processes, Mckreith enhances the overall productivity of the executive suite. This role requires constant collaboration with senior leaders to address complex challenges in the financial services sector. By streamlining decision-making workflows, Mckreith enables the firm to respond rapidly to market changes. Ultimately, Mckreith supports the delivery of superior financial products by maintaining operational focus and organizational discipline.

Jeffrey Calusinski, the Senior VP & Chief Technology Officer at USAA, directs the development of scalable digital infrastructure to support the financial needs of military members. By overseeing the mobile app and online banking platforms, Calusinski ensures that members have secure, 24/7 access to insurance and investment tools. This leadership role involves integrating emerging technologies to enhance the user experience and streamline financial transactions. Jeffrey Calusinski also manages the cybersecurity posture of the firm, protecting sensitive member data from evolving digital threats. Through the implementation of advanced data analytics, Calusinski drives innovation in financial planning services. This role requires close coordination with other executives to align technology investments with the broader business strategy. By modernizing the digital ecosystem, Calusinski enables the organization to provide efficient, accessible solutions to a global military audience. Ultimately, Calusinski maintains the technological edge necessary to lead in the competitive financial services industry.

Patricia Harris, the Chief of Staff & Director, Enterprise Operations Performance at USAA, monitors the efficiency of internal processes to ensure high-quality service delivery. By analyzing operational metrics, Harris identifies opportunities to improve the performance of banking and insurance departments. This leadership role involves coordinating enterprise-wide initiatives that enhance the overall productivity of the firm. Patricia Harris also works with department heads to implement best practices that support the financial goals of military families. Through the rigorous evaluation of operational workflows, Harris ensures that resources are allocated effectively to meet member needs. This focus on performance management drives the continuous improvement of financial planning products. By fostering collaboration across the organization, Harris maintains alignment with the core mission of the company. Ultimately, Harris supports the delivery of reliable financial solutions by optimizing the operational framework that underpins all services provided to the military community.