Boards and Committees
The National Coast Guard Museum Association is grateful for the dedicated individuals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to help guide us toward our vision and mission.
The National Coast Guard Museum Association is grateful for the dedicated individuals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to help guide us toward our vision and mission.
The National Coast Guard Museum Association Board of Directors maintains fiduciary oversight of the Association. Board members provide guidance on strategic planning, operations, effectiveness, and financial sustainability.
Suan J. Curtin is a partner in Power Family Enterprises, LP and President of the Kenrose Kitchen Table Foundation, the private family foundation of the J.D. Power family, located in Westlake Village, CA. She has served on several boards and committees, including the Heart Center at Boston Children’s Hospital, Trustee of the College of the Holy Cross, and the Executive Committee of Mass Golf. Susan served as a Third Class Petty Officer, Port Security in the Coast Guard Reserve for four years while earning her bachelor’s degree at Holy Cross. She has an extensive background in corporate sales, marketing, and non-profit management. Most recently, Susan was awarded the United States Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award for her tireless efforts in supporting the Service and the National Coast Guard Museum project.
Capt. Pulver joined the Museum Association after 28 years of distinguished service to the USCG. His final tours were aboard USCG Barque Eagle, “America’s Tall Ship,” as Commanding Officer from July 2012 through July 2015, and as Coast Guard Chief of Congressional Affairs from December 2010 through June 2012.
RADM Larrabee previously oversaw all USCG operations in the Northeast United States as Commander First Coast Guard District. Additionally, he has led the management and operation of the major marine terminal facilities within the Port of New York and New Jersey, the largest port on the North American East Coast. Richard currently serves on the Advisory Committee, Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute.
Dr. Kevin Harkins is the CEO of Harkcon, Inc., where he brings more than 30 years’ experience leading across a broad spectrum of human performance improvement areas in both the public and private sectors. Harkcon has won multiple awards for growth, innovation, and new project development and has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing businesses in America for seven consecutive years. Kevin also serves as CEO of Harkcon Academy, a high-end training and professional development center of excellence.
Mr. Kingsley is an entrepreneur and investor with over twenty years of experience in building, buying, selling and advising companies in a variety of industries. He is currently a member of the board of directors of Known, a media, creative and strategy agency that he helped build, spending over a decade as a partner, President and Chief Operating Officer at the company. In addition, he is a founding partner at Lunch Partners, a venture investment fund that invests in early-stage companies. After graduating from the United States Coast Guard Academy, he served on active duty in the Coast Guard for five years.
Stephen Lovelette is the President of JMB Financial Advisors, LLC, a real estate investment advisor that provides customized capital solutions for acquisition, recapitalization, and development of all real estate asset types. Additionally, he is President of Kaanapali Land, LLC, an affiliate of JMB in agriculture and land management with assets in Hawaii. Stephen has an A.B. in Economics and History from the College of the Holy Cross and a MBA in Finance from Seton Hall University. He serves on the Board of Kaanapali Land, LLC, and is a member of the Board of Trustees at The College of the Holy Cross, a member of the board of Dreamscape Entertainment Properties, Inc, and a past member of the President’s Advisory Group at Seton Hall University. Additionally, he is a founding member of the Chicago area’s Round Table Alliance, a group of businesspeople who meet to discuss current business and cultural issues.
Throughout his illustrious career in the USCG, ADM Loy commanded multiple vessels before being named the 21st Commandant of the Coast Guard, where he served from 1998 to 2002. Following his retirement, James was appointed to the newly created post of Deputy Under Secretary for Transportation Security and Chief Operating Officer of the Transportation Security Administration by then Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta. He is currently a senior counselor with The Cohen Group and director of Rivada Networks. He was previously a director at Lockheed Martin.
MCPOCG Patton has been widely honored for his distinguished 30 years of service, receiving several military awards. Vince served as the 8th Master Chief Petty Officer of the USCG from 1998 to 2002, the senior enlisted advisor to the Commandant of the Coast Guard. He is currently a faculty member at the Northeast Maritime Institute.
Michael Raugh manages the strategic, operational, and fiscal leadership of the National Coast Guard Museum Association. He is the Retired President & CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank, a mutual bank in Southeastern Connecticut, comprised of 15 locations and $1 billion in total assets. The Bank has been recognized as the “Best Bank” in the community by readers of The New London Day, a Top Connecticut Workplace by The Hartford Courant, and carries a 5-Star “Superior” rating for financial strength by Bauer Financial.
At the time of his retirement as President of Norwich University, Dr. Richard W. Schneider was one of the nation’s longest-serving college presidents, having served for 28 years. Throughout his experience in the military and academia, he epitomized Norwich’s Guiding Values and unique position in the landscape of American higher education. Richard is a 1968 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy. He was commissioned as an ensign in the USCG and served eight years of active duty, including a tour of Vietnam, and retired from the Coast Guard Reserve as a Rear ADM, the most senior Coast Guard Reservist.
Volunteer representatives from across the United States with diverse public and private sector backgrounds lead the $150 million capital campaign to construct the National Coast Guard Museum, of which $50 million is private donations . Thanks to the incredible support and generosity of individuals, foundations, and corporate donors, we are on final approach to achieve our capital campaign goal in 2024.
Gordy Bunch is Founder and CEO of The Woodlands Financial Group, ranked the nation’s eighth largest privately owned independent insurance provider. He is Chairman of The Woodlands Township Board and served as a Petty Officer Third Class in the USCG from 1991 to1995.
ADM Allen served as the 23rd Commandant of the USCG. He was the principal federal official for the government’s response and recovery operations in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Thad served as the National Incident Commander for the unified response to Deepwater Horizon and led area forces after 9/11. He is currently a Senior Executive Advisor with Booz Allen and HudsonAnalytix.
Brandy Birtcher is Co-Owner and CEO of Birtcher Development LLC. Since its inception in 1939, the company has acquired, managed, or developed over 260 projects valued in excess of $7B. Previously, Brandy was CEO of Goodman Birtcher North America. He served as an E-6 Petty Officer First Class in the USCG 1971-1977.
Andrew Card was the second-longest tenured White House Chief of Staff under the presidency of George W. Bush. He was President of Franklin Pierce University and held multiple roles at Texas A&M University. Secretary Card also served as the 11th U.S. Secretary of Transportation from 1992 to 1993. He attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1967. He is currently Chairman of the National Endowment for Democracy.
Michael Chertoff was Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2005 to 2009. He is Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of The Chertoff Group, which provides high-level strategic counsel to corporate and government leaders on a broad range of security issues. Previously, Secretary Chertoff served as a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Tom Gilmour is Maritime Consultant and the former President and COO of ABS Americas. Previously, he was Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection and a Rear ADM in the USCG. Tom served for 34 years in the Marine Safety and Security Field. He led the development of port and facility security regulations that were required under the Maritime Transportation Security Act following 9/11.
Michael P. Jackson is Director, Chairman and CEO of VidSys and Founder of Firebreak Partners, LLC. He served as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security from 2005 to 2007 and as the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation from 2001 to 2003. Secretary Jackson has held senior executive positions in the private sector and the federal government, with experience in homeland security, transportation, and technology integration and services.
Jeh C. Johnson served as Secretary of Homeland Security from 2013 to 2017 under President Barack Obama. He is currently a partner with the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. Secretary Johnson advises clients on crisis management, government and internal investigations, high-stakes litigation and regulatory matters, and legal aspects of cybersecurity and other security matters.
Mary Landry is an Independent Corporate Director serving on the boards of USAA, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and is Vice Chair of the Board of SCORE. She was the inaugural Director of Incident Management and Preparedness at USCG. Mary served in the USCG for 31 years before retiring then joined the USCG Senior Executive Service.
Sarah Miller currently works for The Carlyle Group in Equity Management and Coinvestment. She previously worked for The Chertoff Group focusing on the firm’s private equity and investment practice. Her prior roles included working for U.S. House of Representatives as a staff member for former Congressman J. Randy Forbes. Sarah was born with an inherent appreciation for our country’s service members, including the men and women of the USCG.
Senior Advisor, Boston Residential Group, LLC Tom Niles has 30 years of experience in acquisition, development, and construction of commercial real estate. He serves on the board of Nichols College and is a Trustee of the Coast Guard Foundation.
Joe Pyne is a Non-Executive Chairman at Kirby Corporation, where he has held numerous roles including Executive Chairman, Director, and CEO. Joe is the largest inland and offshore tank barge fleet operator in the United States. He has been instrumental in promoting the Museum and contributing early to the fledgling Museum campaign. Joe served as an Officer in the Navy.
Chairman of Ridge Global, Tom Ridge was First Assistant to the President for Homeland Security following 9/11 from 2001 to 2003, He became the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where he served from 2003 to 2005. Tom was twice elected Governor of Pennsylvania and is currently Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s National Security Task Force. He served in the U.S. Army as an infantry staff sergeant in Vietnam.
Executive Vice President, CFO and COO of Hillwood Investment Properties Bob Vicente is responsible for Capital Markets, Finance, and Operations. Bob was previously CFO of TVO North America and EPT Management Company. He served in the USCG from 1986 to 1999 and was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal, two Commendation Medals, an Achievement Medal, and a Commandant’s Letter of Commendation.
Dave Waldmann is Managing Partner of Cypress Partners, LTD. He was previously Executive Vice President of Parabellum Armament Company, LLC and Partner at Command Strategies, LLC, where he managed the Energy, Environment, and Facilities practice. Dave has worked as a PGA Golf Professional for over 10 years.
Former Federal Cabinet and Deputy Secretaries assist the Association by promoting and supporting the National Coast Guard Museum project. We appreciate their guidance, insights, and ongoing support for building and funding the Museum.
Former Secretary of Homeland Security, 2003–2005
Former Secretary of Transportation, 1967–1969
Former Secretary of Transportation, 1987–1989
Former Secretary of Transportation, 1992–1993
Former Secretary of Homeland Security, 2005–2009
Former Deputy Secretary of Transportation, 1987–1989
Former Secretary of Transportation, 1983–1987
Former Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, 2005–2007
Former Deputy Secretary of Transportation, 2001–2003
Former Secretary of Homeland Security, 2013–2017
Former Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, 2003–2005
Former Secretary of Homeland Security, 2009–2013
Former Secretary of Transportation, 1993–1997
Former Secretary of Energy, 1997–1998
Former Deputy Secretary of Transportation, 1992–1993
Former Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, 2008–2009
Former Secretary of Transportation, 1989–1991
Former Secretary of Transportation, 1997–2001
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