Trustee Member Spotlight – Michael McBride
February 26, 2020
Michael McBride is Vice President, Legislative Affairs at BAE Systems, Inc., an international defense, aerospace, and security company that delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions. In this role, Mike is responsible for overseeing BAE Systems, Inc.’s relationships with members of Congress, congressional committees, and staff to ensure a mutual understanding of priorities and concerns.
Before joining BAE Systems, Inc. as the director of Legislative Affairs in 2010, Mike was a Staff Director on the State, Local and Private Sector Preparedness and Integration Subcommittee on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. During his three years on the Committee, Mike advised two ranking members of the subcommittee, Senator John E. Sununu (R-NH) and Senator John Ensign (R-NV). Prior to that, Mike spent much of the previous decade in a number of government relations positions spanning industry and government. These include his role as a legislative analyst for BAE Systems, and as a legislative aide for Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH).
A native of Saugus, Massachusetts, Mike now resides in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife Tiffany and three children, Emily (13), Landon (10), and Owen (2). In his spare time, Mike can be found making Neapolitan pizzas in his wood-fired oven.
How/Why did you get involved with United Through Reading?
Over the past ten years with BAE Systems, I have seen the work my predecessors have done with United Through Reading and I was also fortunate to be able to participate in a few events to understand its mission better. I have been deeply moved by the presentations at the numerous Tribute to Military Families events I attended over the years and jumped at the opportunity to sit on the Board of Trustees as the BAE representative when the seat became available.
How has UTR impacted your life and/or what is your favorite benefit of your involvement?
As a father of 3 who is constantly on the move, either at evening events or on business travel, I always want to find a way to stay connected to my family. While I’m only gone for a couple of days at a time, coming home to see my family always brings a smile to my face. Knowing the sacrifices that servicemen and women make to keep out country safe and the amount of time they are forced to be away from their families really touches me. Further, knowing the time and energy my wife puts in while I am away for only a couple days, I have such an appreciation for the hard work that military families do in support of those away on duty. United Through Reading provides a fantastic way for families to stay connected for extended periods. I look forward to being involved and helping UTR further its reach to allow more our nation’s military families to take advantage of this great opportunity.
What are you reading today, or what is the best book you have ever read?
As a self-proclaimed “home chef” I have always been fascinated by the life of a chef, including their training and experience in the restaurant business. There were times in my career that I contemplated going off to culinary school or working for a renowned chef to master skills and ultimately open my own restaurant. As a result, I have been fascinated by books that provide a look into their lives in the restaurant industry. I thoroughly enjoyed “The Making of a Chef: Mastering Heat at the Culinary Institute of America” by Michael Ruhlman and “Life, on the Line: A Chef’s Story of Chasing Greatness, Facing Death, and Redefining the Way We Eat” by Grant Achatz. Another fascinating book is “Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise” by NY Times restaurant critic Ruth Reichl. For now, I will just stick to cooking for family and friends.
If you were going to make a UTR video-recording today, who would you make it for, and what book would you read to them?
Knowing how much my 2-year old relies on his “Puppy Dog Pals” and “The Lion Guard” on Disney+, I would love to have “Story Time with Dad” become part of the heavy rotation. My son Owen recently starting enjoying books by James Marshall, to include “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” and “Red Riding Hood.” Marshall does a great job of putting a unique twist on the classic folktales.