USAA Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

USAA has 10 executives leading key functions including compliance, human resources, technology, and finance.

Driven by a commitment to serving the military community, USAA provides specialized financial services, focusing on banking, insurance, and investment products tailored to the unique needs of U.S. military members and their families.

Leadership Roles at USAA

  • Director, CFO Compliance Risk Management - Joann Petersen
  • Senior Technical Director & Chief Financial Officer, Information Technology Treasury - J. Harlen
  • Senior To Hrbp Chief of Staff - Erica Castro
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Michael Burbank
  • Operational Planning Executive & Director & Chief Information Officer, Shared Services & Infrastructure - Brooke Rothe
  • Chief of Staff, USAA - Rae Gonzalez
  • Senior VP & Chief Technology Officer - Jeffrey Calusinski
  • Operational Planning Executive & Director & Chief of Staff - Michelle Salomon
  • Director, Business Strategy & Planning, Real Estate Capital Markets Chief of Staff - Lori Barnes
  • Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President of Enterprise Digital Technology - Leron Gresham
  • Joann Petersen - Director, CFO Compliance Risk Management

    Joann Petersen, the Director, CFO Compliance Risk Management at USAA, directs the critical functions of financial compliance and risk management within the Chief Financial Officer's organization. This leadership role ensures adherence to all regulatory requirements and internal policies, safeguarding the company's financial integrity. Petersen oversees the assessment and mitigation of risks associated with financial operations, including those related to banking, insurance, and investment products. The scope of this position involves close collaboration with various financial departments to implement robust compliance frameworks. Petersen's strategic oversight contributes directly to USAA's ability to maintain trust and stability for its members. The focus remains on proactive identification of potential compliance issues and the development of effective solutions to address them, thereby supporting the company's mission to serve the military community. Joann Petersen drives a culture of accountability and diligence across all financial reporting and operational activities.

    J. Harlen - Senior Technical Director & Chief Financial Officer, Information Technology Treasury

    J. Harlen, the Senior Technical Director & Chief Financial Officer, Information Technology Treasury at USAA, directs the financial operations and technical strategy within the IT Treasury function. Harlen ensures the financial integrity and technological robustness of treasury systems, supporting USAA's comprehensive financial services for military members and their families. This leadership role involves managing budgets, financial planning, and the implementation of advanced technical solutions for treasury operations. Harlen's responsibilities include overseeing financial reporting, risk management, and compliance within the IT Treasury domain. The focus is on optimizing financial processes and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and security. J. Harlen's expertise bridges financial acumen and technical proficiency, ensuring that USAA's treasury functions operate with precision and foresight. This dual focus supports the company's stability and growth in the banking and finance industry.

    Erica Castro - Senior To Hrbp Chief of Staff

    Erica Castro, the Senior To Hrbp Chief of Staff at USAA, provides strategic support and operational leadership within the Human Resources Business Partner function. Castro enhances the effectiveness of HR initiatives by aligning them with USAA's overarching business objectives and its commitment to military members and their families. This role involves managing key projects, facilitating communication between HR and other business units, and driving operational improvements. Castro's responsibilities include optimizing HR processes to ensure they meet the unique needs of the USAA workforce. The position demands a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Erica Castro works to streamline operations and enhance the delivery of HR services, ensuring a supportive environment for employees. Strategic planning and execution are central to Castro's contributions, enabling the HR department to effectively support USAA's mission.

    Michael Burbank - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Michael Burbank, the Deputy Chief of Staff at USAA, supports the strategic execution and operational efficiency of senior leadership. Burbank assists in coordinating cross-functional initiatives and ensuring alignment with USAA's core mission of serving U.S. military members and their families. This role involves managing critical projects, facilitating communication across departments, and driving key organizational priorities. Burbank's focus is on enhancing operational effectiveness and supporting the strategic direction set by leadership. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of USAA's diverse financial services, including banking, insurance, and investments. Michael Burbank plays a vital part in translating strategic objectives into actionable plans, ensuring seamless operations. By optimizing workflows and fostering collaboration, Burbank contributes to the company's ability to deliver exceptional service and financial solutions.

    Brooke Rothe - Operational Planning Executive & Director & Chief Information Officer, Shared Services & Infrastructure

    Brooke Rothe, the Operational Planning Executive & Director & Chief Information Officer, Shared Services & Infrastructure at USAA, directs the strategic planning and execution of IT infrastructure and shared services. Rothe oversees the development and maintenance of robust technology systems that support USAA's banking, insurance, and investment operations, ensuring reliability and scalability for its military members and their families. This leadership position involves managing critical infrastructure components, driving innovation in technology solutions, and ensuring operational resilience. Rothe's responsibilities extend to optimizing shared services to enhance efficiency across the organization. The focus is on building and maintaining a secure, high-performing technology environment that enables USAA's digital platforms and mobile app capabilities. Brooke Rothe's strategic vision ensures that USAA's technological foundation effectively supports its mission and market position in the financial services industry.

    Rae Gonzalez - Chief of Staff, USAA

    Rae Gonzalez, the Chief of Staff, USAA, provides executive-level support and strategic coordination across the organization. Gonzalez facilitates the execution of key initiatives, ensuring alignment with USAA's mission to serve U.S. military members and their families with comprehensive financial services. This role involves managing critical projects, optimizing operational workflows, and enhancing communication channels between leadership and various business units. Gonzalez's responsibilities include driving strategic planning processes and ensuring that operational decisions support the company's long-term goals in banking, insurance, and investments. Rae Gonzalez works to streamline operations and foster collaboration, contributing to USAA's reputation for specialized service. The strategic oversight provided by Gonzalez is essential for maintaining the company's focus on member needs and market leadership.

    Jeffrey Calusinski - Senior VP & Chief Technology Officer

    Jeffrey Calusinski, the Senior VP & Chief Technology Officer at USAA, leads the company's technology strategy and execution, driving innovation across its diverse financial services. Calusinski oversees the development and implementation of cutting-edge technology solutions that support USAA's banking, insurance, and investment platforms, ensuring a seamless digital experience for military members and their families. This critical role involves managing the entire technology infrastructure, from enterprise systems to digital channels, including the mobile app. Calusinski's strategic direction focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, cybersecurity, and the overall technological capabilities that underpin USAA's market position. Jeffrey Calusinski is instrumental in leveraging technology to meet the unique financial needs of the military community. The CTO's leadership ensures USAA remains at the forefront of technological advancement in the financial services sector.

    Michelle Salomon - Operational Planning Executive & Director & Chief of Staff

    Michelle Salomon, the Operational Planning Executive & Director & Chief of Staff at USAA, drives strategic operational planning and execution across key business functions. Salomon enhances organizational effectiveness by aligning operational strategies with USAA's mission to serve U.S. military members and their families. This role involves managing complex projects, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, and ensuring the efficient deployment of resources. Salomon's responsibilities include developing and implementing operational plans that support USAA's banking, insurance, and investment services. The focus is on optimizing processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring that operational frameworks meet the unique needs of the military community. Michelle Salomon plays a crucial role in translating strategic objectives into tangible operational outcomes, contributing to USAA's sustained success and member satisfaction.

    Lori Barnes - Director, Business Strategy & Planning, Real Estate Capital Markets Chief of Staff

    Lori Barnes, the Director, Business Strategy & Planning, Real Estate Capital Markets Chief of Staff at USAA, directs strategic initiatives and planning within the Real Estate Capital Markets division. Barnes ensures that business strategies are aligned with USAA's overall objectives of serving military members and their families through robust financial solutions. This leadership role involves developing strategic plans, analyzing market trends, and overseeing planning processes to optimize capital markets operations. Barnes's responsibilities include enhancing operational efficiency and driving growth within the real estate sector. The focus is on providing strategic direction and operational support to ensure USAA's competitive position in capital markets. Lori Barnes contributes significantly to the company's ability to offer specialized financial products and services by ensuring strategic alignment and effective planning.

    Leron Gresham - Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President of Enterprise Digital Technology

    Leron Gresham, the Chief of Staff To the Senior Vice President of Enterprise Digital Technology at USAA, provides critical support for the strategic direction and operational execution of enterprise digital technology initiatives. Gresham ensures that digital technology strategies effectively serve USAA's mission to provide banking, insurance, and investment services to military members and their families. This role involves managing key projects, facilitating communication across technology teams and business units, and driving operational improvements within the digital technology landscape. Gresham's focus is on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of digital platforms, including USAA's mobile app. Leron Gresham plays a vital part in translating technological vision into actionable plans, supporting USAA's commitment to innovation and member-centric digital experiences. The strategic coordination provided by Gresham is essential for advancing USAA's digital capabilities.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding USAA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads USAA?
    USAA is led by Joann Petersen (Director, CFO Compliance Risk Management), along with executives such as J. Harlen (Senior Technical Director & Chief Financial Officer, Information Technology Treasury) and Erica Castro (Senior To Hrbp Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of USAA’s executive team?
    The executive team of USAA includes leaders such as Joann Petersen (Director, CFO Compliance Risk Management), J. Harlen (Senior Technical Director & Chief Financial Officer, Information Technology Treasury), Erica Castro (Senior To Hrbp Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does USAA have?
    USAA has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in USAA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of USAA includes roles such as Director, CFO Compliance Risk Management, Senior Technical Director & Chief Financial Officer, Information Technology Treasury, Senior To Hrbp Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operational Planning Executive & Director & Chief Information Officer, Shared Services & Infrastructure.