SAN ANTONIO -- USAA CEO Joe Robles today announced the appointment of Kristi Matus as the association’s new chief financial officer. Matus succeeds Robles, who was named USAA’s CEO in December 2007 after serving as CFO since 1994.

“Kristi Matus is a brilliant businessperson who brings not only superior analytical skills but also an exceptional record in both strategy and day-to-day operations,” said Robles. “Under her leadership, our Life Insurance and Investment Management companies have generated record demand. She knows our business and just as importantly, she cares deeply about our members and our employees.”

“Under Joe Robles’ watch as CFO, this association is one of only a handful of companies that have maintained the highest ratings for financial strength,” said Matus. “USAA was founded by its members for its members, and especially in today’s economy, we’ll be vigilant to keep that trust – for the good of the association as a whole and for the individual families we’re here to serve.”

Matus joined USAA in 2002 as vice president, USAA Life insurance Company, responsible for pricing and product development. She was promoted to president and CEO, USAA Life Insurance Company two years later, and in January 2007, added responsibility for the operations of USAA Investment Management Company. Prior to USAA, Matus was executive vice president and chief operating officer for Thrivent Financial Bank.

Matus is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Business Administration. She is a member of the American Academy of Actuaries, a Fellow in the Society of Actuaries and a Fellow of the Life Management Institute.

Under Matus’ leadership, Life and Insurance and Investment company assets owned and managed grew to $76.8 billion and written premiums to $1.23 billion. The two companies, which employ 1,300 people, experienced significant product growth during Matus’ tenure and were recognized by major consumer organizations such as Smart Money, Morning Star and Ward’s Top 50 for quality in products, service and business practices.

About USAA
USAA, a diversified financial services company, is the leading provider of competitively priced financial planning, insurance, investments, and banking products to members of the U.S. military and their families. Named by BusinessWeek as 2007’s Customer Service Champion and ranked highest among financial services companies for customer advocacy in a Forrester Research survey, USAA provides convenient and accessible financial products to its more than 6 million members. For more information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, visit usaa.com.

USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. Property and casualty insurance provided by United Services Automobile Association, and its affiliate property and casualty insurance companies and is available only to persons eligible for P&C group membership. Investment products and services provided by USAA Investment Management Company, a registered broker dealer. Life insurance and annuity products provided by USAA Life Insurance Company, San Antonio, TX. In NY, life insurance and fixed annuities provided by USAA Life Insurance Company of New York, Highland Falls, New York. Financial advice provided by USAA Financial Planning Services Insurance Agency, Inc. (known as USAA Financial Insurance Agency in California), and USAA Financial Advisors, Inc., a registered broker dealer. Banking products provided by USAA Federal Savings Bank, an equal housing lender. Credit cards provided by USAA Savings Bank. Both banks FDIC-insured.