From a Sayville High Track Star to Brigadier General.

The story of Brigadier General Maura Hennigan begins, as many American stories do, with family roots that stretch across oceans and generations.

Her paternal great-grandfather immigrated to the United States from Scotland in 1893, beginning a family line grounded in service and hard work. Her father, John “Fred” McGee, was the son of a New Jersey State Police officer. Fred McGee would go on to serve his country as a U.S. Marine during the Korean War, eventually retiring with the rank of Colonel.

Maura’s mother, Theresa “Terry” Poderys McGee, was born in the United States after her own parents immigrated from Russia in 1913. Like many immigrant families of the early twentieth century, they came seeking opportunity and stability in America.

Fred and Terry McGee married in 1960 and eventually settled on Long Island in the 1960s, making their home in Sayville. After his Marine Corps service, Fred McGee began a second career in education, taking a job as a history teacher in the Commack School District. Over time, he rose to become the longtime principal of Commack High School, shaping the lives of generations of students.

The McGees raised three children, two sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Maura, was born in Sayville in 1971. She grew up in a household where public service, education, and community involvement were part of everyday life.
Both of Maura’s parents were deeply involved in the community. Her father, who had been a track athlete in college, he volunteered extensively with track and field organizations across Long Island. Her mother was equally dedicated to civic life, eventually serving as Director of the Sayville Village Improvement Association. The family were also devoted members of St. Lawrence Church, which played an important role in their lives.

Maura attended St. Lawrence Elementary School before entering Sayville High School, where she quickly distinguished herself as both a strong student and a talented athlete. Following in her father’s footsteps on the track, she became one of the school’s standout track stars. Her dedication paid off when she captured a first-place title at the Eastern State Track and Field Championships held on Long Island.

She graduated from Sayville High School in 1989.

Maura went on to attend Mary Washington College in Virginia (now the University of Mary Washington), earning a degree in International Studies in 1994 after studying abroad. During her senior year, she attended a Marine Corps Reserve meeting with her father, an experience that inspired her to pursue a military career.

That same year, the Officer Candidate Course commissioned her as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. She went on to achieve a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from American University.

Over the next three decades, Hennigan built an exceptional career commanding Marines at multiple levels. Her leadership roles included platoon commander with the 3rd Support Battalion, company commander with the 2nd Radio Battalion, Commanding Officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, and later Commanding Officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 3.
She also served in key staff and joint assignments around the world, including roles with Marine Forces Europe, U.S. Pacific Command, and deployments supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In Washington, she worked closely with Congress as a legislative liaison for the Marine Corps.

In addition to her operational service, Hennigan became Commanding General of Education Command and President of Marine Corps University, helping shape the education and professional development of future Marine leaders.
Her service has been recognized with numerous military decorations, including two Legion of Merit awards, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, and several additional commendations.

In July 2022, she was promoted to Brigadier General.
In February 2026, Brigadier General Hennigan assumed command of the Combined Joint Logistics Support Group at Kjeller Air Base in Norway, becoming the first U.S. Marine general to lead a fully integrated logistics headquarters composed of both U.S. Marines and Norwegian Armed Forces. In this role, she oversees logistical support for thousands of allied troops during the NATO exercises, part of the alliance’s Arctic defense initiative.

Despite her global responsibilities, her story remains rooted in Sayville. As a teenager she delivered the Pennysaver and worked at local businesses, including the Sayville Inn.
Today, Brigadier General Hennigan continues the legacy of service that shaped her upbringing. She married Joseph P. Hennigan in 2001. The couple are the parents of three daughters, balancing family life with a distinguished military career.

From the track fields of Sayville High School to commanding Marines and allied forces on the international stage, her journey reflects the values of dedication, leadership, and service first learned in a small Long Island community, Sayville.