TYSONS, Va.--PenFed Credit Union announced that Andrea McCarren, Vice President and Chief Content Officer for PenFed Digital, will take on additional responsibilities as Chief Communications Officer for the PenFed Foundation.
“Andrea has revolutionized the ways PenFed engages with members and the public,” said PenFed Credit Union President/CEO and PenFed Foundation CEO James Schenck. “Andrea came to PenFed four years ago with 22 Emmy Awards and a vision to take PenFed’s social media platforms from thousands of viewers to tens of millions. She launched our PenFed Digital team with fellow Emmy Award-winning photojournalists – and over 200 million people have seen the results. Every day on PenFed’s social media platforms, Andrea’s PenFed Digital team produces stories of inspiration, resilience, and service.”In her additional role with the PenFed Foundation, McCarren will plan and execute strategies to shape and implement branding and communications. Schenck said this will include the PenFed Foundation’s website, social media, board updates, and communications with the Limited Partners of the Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program.“This is great news for our military heroes,” said PenFed Foundation Vice President CSM(R) David Clark. “Our PenFed team is well served by Andrea’s dedication, commitment and intellect. Andrea has our profound respect for investing in our military heroes and their families. We look forward to working with Andrea and her PenFed Digital team on telling the amazing story of the PenFed Foundation and the real impact we are making in the lives of thousands of service members, veterans and their families.” McCarren is a nationally recognized journalist now honored with 25 Emmy Awards, three Edward R. Murrows, a Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights citation, and a Gracie Award for her military affairs reporting. Her 32-year journalism career includes stints at NBC News and ABC News, covering the White House, Pentagon and Capitol Hill. McCarren was selected for the prestigious year-long Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University, awarded a Kiplinger Fellowship in Public Affairs Journalism at Ohio State University and a KCBS Fellowship for graduate work at the University of Southern California. McCarren is a graduate of Vassar College and the London School of Economics and Political Science. McCarren has raised five service dogs, bringing them on daily assignments and educating the public about their mission to serve wounded warriors and others with disabilities. Her current service dog in training, Alfie, has inspired millions on PenFed’s social media.While representing PenFed, McCarren was named to HillVets’ Top 100 for supporting veterans. She also earned the title “Digital Leader of the Year” by PR News for a two straight years. At PenFed Credit Union’s 2022 Annual Meeting, PenFed Chairman Ed Cody presented McCarren with the Chairman’s Award for Employee of the Year.
“It is a profound privilege to amplify the inspiring work of the PenFed Foundation and help more service members, veterans and military families,” said McCarren. “Service runs deep in my family. Every day, I’m inspired by my late father who served in the Air Force and Air National Guard, retiring as a Brigadier General. My uncle served during WWII and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.”