Mara Motherway

Mara Motherway is Booz Allen’s Head of Government Relations, a recognized public policy expert, and a retired U.S. Naval officer with more than 21 years of service. Starting in 2016, Mara built Booz Allen’s government relations capability from the ground up, formalizing the function for the first time in the firm’s 105-year history. She and her team are responsible for strengthening the firm’s relationships across the Federal Government, with trade associations and think tanks – – driving policy and legislative outcomes for corporate growth.

 
With 25 years of government and private sector experience in strategic intelligence, acquisition, congressional affairs, organizational design, and business development, Mara is a problem solver and innovator. While in government, her diverse career included deploying to the Middle East in support of combat operations, leading the Pentagon Division of the Joint Intelligence Task Force for Counter Terrorism, directing current intelligence operations for the Navy, managing legislative affairs for the Defense Intelligence Agency, and serving as the strategic advisor to the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Prior to her current role, Mara served as the business development executive for Booz Allen’s military intelligence business. Earlier, as a business development and strategy executive at BAE Systems, she ensured her deep mission understanding enabled business leaders to translate market opportunities and drive growth.

 
She is a board member for Naval Intelligence Professionals and Blue Star Families and serves on the AFCEA Intelligence Council. In 2018 and 2019, The Hill selected Mara as one of Washington’s Top Lobbyists for a Fortune 500 company.

 
Mara holds a B.S. in political science from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master’s in public administration from Harvard University, and an M.S. in national resource strategy (distinguished graduate) from National Defense University. She resides in McLean, Virginia with her husband and children.