Brenden McMahon, a native of Connecticut, brings his knowledge of the legislative process and deep interest in foreign affairs to MOAA. He earned his bachelor’s degree in international affairs and Chinese studies from Gettysburg College. 

As a fluent Mandarin speaker, McMahon studied aboard in Beijing, where he volunteered to work with Chinese college students at one of the U.S. Embassy’s outreach programs to discuss topics relating to American society and U.S. foreign policy. He also acted as a translator for Chinese vendors interacting with English-speaking customers at the Beijing Farmers’ Market, enhancing his customer service and cultural awareness skills. 

Before joining MOAA, McMahon worked as a legislative intern in the office of Sen. Richard Blumenthal, where he researched current events and legislation for congressional staff members. 

Military organizations have always interested McMahon because he was inspired by his grandfather, who served as a pilot during World War II for the Royal Air Force.

McMahon joined MOAA's Government Relations team as an Associate Director in March 2020. He researches and analyzes a range of topics, from military health care to pay and benefits, in support of MOAA’s national legislative agenda. He was promoted to the position after serving as a Member Service Representative for the association, where he was responsible for responding to requests from the association’s 350,000 members. 

McMahon lives in Alexandria, Va., and enjoys hiking, reading fantasy novels, and international travel.