Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Beyond Survival
Loretta Herrington’s story begins not in the halls of government or policy circles, but in a small community college classroom in Pennsylvania—where determination quietly took root and set the course for a life defined by resilience, service, and purpose.
Her path was anything but linear. Over the early years of her marriage, she attended four different universities while navigating constant moves, new communities, and the unpredictability of military life. Taking classes at night and refusing to lose sight of her goal, she ultimately earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton—a milestone that reflected years of persistence and grit.
After settling in Northern Virginia following her husband’s retirement from the United States Marine Corps, Loretta began building a career from the ground up. Early roles didn’t come with prestige or clear direction, but they came with opportunity—the chance to build relationships, earn trust, and establish credibility in a city where those are the true currency. Step by step, she carved out a place for herself in the world of public policy.
The events of September 11, 2001, reshaped her trajectory. Though she had once left federal service with no intention of returning, the call to serve came again—this time in a moment of national crisis. Driven by a deep sense of duty, she joined the George W. Bush Administration, where she served from 2001 through the end of the administration. Over those years, she held increasingly senior roles across three sub-cabinet agencies at the Department of Labor, ultimately assuming responsibilities of a Deputy Assistant Secretary towards the end of the administration. Among her proudest contributions was advancing programs that trained, hired, and supported wounded warriors transitioning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan into meaningful civilian careers.
Following her time in government, Loretta returned home to Pennsylvania to help care for her ailing father. In that deeply personal season, an unexpected encounter with her father’s caregiver, Zura Salukvadze—an immigrant from the country of Georgia—sparked a new chapter. Moved by the shared humanity, faith, and resilience she witnessed, Loretta authored and self-published Piece of Soul Through the Heart…A Soul’s Journey, a work that captures the beauty of connection, heritage, and hope in the face of adversity.
She later reentered the public policy arena, spending a decade collaborating with highly respected policy analysts, scholars and organizations across state capitals and Capitol Hill. Yet in 2023, she felt called once again to evolve—this time stepping away from policy work to focus on a broader mission of service, drawing on her diverse experiences as a leader, author, businesswoman, and mentor. Then in 2025, she took a bold step forward — co-founding Beyond Survival with a clear mission: to help individuals and families move beyond mere survival into lives of purpose, strength, and renewal.
Woven throughout her journey is another defining role—one that shaped her resilience in quieter but profound ways. As the wife of a highly decorated Marine Corps Colonel and Naval Aviator, Loretta spent more than two decades navigating the realities of military life: frequent moves, long separations, and the unspoken weight carried by families during times of war. She stood beside other military spouses, offering strength and support during deployments, while building a life and career of her own. Her husband, a Vietnam veteran who flew UH-1E “Huey” gunships and later commanded advanced fighter squadrons, rarely spoke of his combat experience—yet his legacy of service deeply informed their shared commitment to duty, honor, and country.
Today, Loretta continues to place her life in God’s hands, guided by faith and a desire to serve others. Her journey—spanning education, public service, caregiving, authorship, and military family life—reflects a steadfast belief that even the most winding paths can lead to meaningful impact.