Debra Wada

Debra Wada is a Senior Advisor to The Roosevelt Group. Her career spans federal government and private sector experience. Debra also serves as the Executive Director for the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan Alliance, a consortium of former public health hospitals that provide health care to military beneficiaries and military retirees.

Debra serves as a Board Member for the Military Child Education Coalition and as an Advisory Member to the Service Year Alliance. In 2017, Debra was appointed to the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service, which was formed to review the Selective Service System and develop recommendations to improve the awareness, aspiration, and access to military, national and public service.

From 2014 to 2017, Debra served as the Assistant Secretary of Manpower and Reserves Affairs for the United States Army. As the Assistant Secretary, she effectively managed Army military, civilian, and contractor personnel, training, and readiness policies, including health care services for over 1.2 million soldiers and Army civilians. In addition, she oversaw morale, welfare, and recreation programs that supported over 2 million Army dependents. Prior to her appointment by President Obama, Debra spent over 25 years in Congress, including over a decade of experience on the House Armed Services Committee where she served as Deputy Staff Director, Lead Military Personnel Staff, and Professional Staff Member.

Debra Wada received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from Drake University. She also holds a Diploma from the Naval War College.