Mara Campbell Boggs

Photo by Marcus Constantino Photography

By Paige Udermann

The term hero is reserved for those who have accomplished great feats with bravery and are distinguished by noble traits and dedication toward the common good. Mara Campbell Boggs, state director and deputy chief of staff for U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, has undeniably earned that title.

Growing up in Keyser, WV, Boggs’ childhood was family centered and filled with outdoor activities and public service. She enlisted in the Army at 18 and became an officer at 21 after graduating from WVU with distinguished military honors. She then served for more than 13 years in the Army on active duty, primarily in combat units and in Iraq. Her service ended with a competitive congressional fellowship program.

She has held leadership positions throughout her entire career and, in the Army, often found herself as either the first or only woman in these roles, such as being the first woman commander of her engineer company in the 82nd Airborne Division. She deployed with her unit to Iraq for 15 months during the surge where they performed over 800 direct combat missions. They all returned home alive and earned the Itschner Award in 2006.

“I thought that meant I had to run faster and do all things more intensely than those I served with,” Boggs says. “As I grew into my leadership style, I held high standards for myself. I replaced being competitive with being collaborative as I grew more comfortable.”

As a result of this, she went on to receive various military awards, including the Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Senior Jumpmaster Badge and the George C. Marshall Leadership award.

Boggs treasured her time in the military, but in 2011 a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Washington, D.C., which helped solidify her choice to leave as she ran through the streets to get to her children. Her husband was deployed at the time, and that evening she also had to depart for the Middle East, leaving her kids behind.

“My decision to leave the military was rock solid because I wanted to be there every day for my children,” says Boggs. “It took an earthquake to shake me to my core and show me that leaving a career I loved was the right choice.”

Since leaving, Boggs has worked on behalf of West Virginians as the state director on Manchin’s team where she plays a major role in developing legislation, promoting economic opportunities for the state and delivering constituent services. While Boggs deeply values her time working alongside Manchin, there will be a big change in the coming months.

“My tenure with Senator Manchin will come to a close later this year because his Senate term is ending,” Boggs says. “I was approached to consider the position of president and CEO of the Charleston Area Alliance and am excited about the opportunity. This position will allow me to focus my professional efforts in the Charleston area, which is poised for significant growth and development.”

Boggs’ dedication to both the nation and state is evident, and her commitment to the community is inspiring. She is actively immersed in her children’s schools along with the Capital City Striders. Boggs is heavily involved in veteran organizations, like the Annual Ride for Fallen Service Heroes. Her current position allows her to be active in many programs across the state and spearhead projects like the job fair program.

She is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officer Association of America, Disabled American Veterans, National Military Family Association, 82nd Airborne Division Association, American Counseling Association, Chi Omega Counseling Honor Society and board member at Yeager Airport and Charleston Catholic High School. She holds master’s degrees from the University of Missouri and Wake Forest University, which help her in her career.

“I have lived around the world and traveled extensively, and there is no better place to live and work than in our state,” says Boggs. “Our people are hardworking, friendly and resourceful; our
landscape is beautiful; and our heritage stems from the patriotic ideals that make us all proud to be Americans.”

Generous, humble and leader are words that only begin to describe Boggs, a West Virginian and hero.