United States Coast Guard Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

United States Coast Guard has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and human resources.

Driven by a mission to safeguard maritime and environmental interests, United States Coast Guard operates as a vital military force, ensuring safety and security across local, regional, national, and international waters.

Leadership Roles at United States Coast Guard

  • Chief Executive Officer - Lawrence Gaillard
  • HR Chief Financial Officer & Director - Hoon Park
  • Chief Operating Officer - Nicholas Testa
  • Chief of Staff - Willie Carmichael
  • CAPTAIN (O-6) Chief of Staff - U. S. Coast Guard Heartland District - Orleans, LA - Ulysses Mullins
  • USCG District 13 Reserve Chief of Staff - Sharon Russell
  • Chief of Staff For the Coast Guard's East District - Warren Judge
  • HR Chief of Staff - John Gregg
  • Chief of Staff & District Coast Arctic Guard (US) - Michele Schallip
  • Chief Medical Officer - Paul Jung
  • Lawrence Gaillard - Chief Executive Officer

    Lawrence Gaillard, the Chief Executive Officer at United States Coast Guard, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the organization. Gaillard's leadership ensures the Coast Guard effectively executes its mandate of safeguarding maritime and environmental interests globally. This executive role involves aligning all departmental functions with the core mission of maintaining maritime safety and security. By fostering adaptability and responsiveness, Gaillard drives the organization's persistent presence across rivers, ports, littoral regions, and the high seas. The Chief Executive Officer's strategic direction is critical for maintaining the Coast Guard's unique position as an instrument of national security and environmental stewardship. Lawrence Gaillard's influence extends to shaping the organization's international partnerships and its capacity to respond to diverse maritime challenges, ensuring a robust and effective force.
    Lawrence Gaillard

    Hoon Park - HR Chief Financial Officer & Director

    Hoon Park, the HR Chief Financial Officer & Director at United States Coast Guard, directs the financial strategy and resource management for the organization's human resources functions. Park oversees the allocation of funds for personnel development, recruitment, and retention programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility. This executive role is crucial for maintaining the operational capacity and adaptability of the Coast Guard's maritime professionals. The HR Chief Financial Officer & Director ensures that financial resources are effectively utilized to support the Coast Guard's broad legal authorities and its persistent presence. Hoon Park's financial oversight directly contributes to the organization's ability to safeguard U.S. maritime and environmental interests by ensuring a well-supported and resourced workforce.

    Nicholas Testa - Chief Operating Officer

    Nicholas Testa, the Chief Operating Officer at United States Coast Guard, oversees the day-to-day operational execution and logistical support for the entire organization. Testa's responsibilities encompass ensuring the effective deployment and maintenance of the Coast Guard's capable assets across its geographic diversity. This executive drives operational efficiency, focusing on the seamless functioning of maritime professionals and their broad legal authorities. The Chief Operating Officer plays a crucial part in maintaining the Coast Guard's persistent presence along rivers, in ports, and on the high seas. Nicholas Testa's leadership ensures that operational capabilities are consistently aligned with national security and environmental protection objectives. By optimizing operational workflows, Testa enhances the organization's responsiveness and its capacity to act as a unique instrument of maritime safety and security.

    Willie Carmichael - Chief of Staff

    Willie Carmichael, the Chief of Staff at United States Coast Guard, manages the internal operations and strategic implementation of directives from the executive leadership. Carmichael coordinates efforts across various departments to ensure seamless execution of the Coast Guard's broad legal authorities and operational plans. This role is pivotal in translating high-level strategy into actionable initiatives, enhancing the organization's adaptability and responsiveness. The Chief of Staff oversees critical administrative functions and facilitates communication channels, ensuring efficient information flow throughout the command structure. By optimizing resource allocation and operational tempo, Willie Carmichael supports the Coast Guard's persistent presence in maritime environments. Carmichael's focus on operational efficiency directly contributes to the organization's effectiveness in safeguarding U.S. maritime and environmental interests.

    Ulysses Mullins - CAPTAIN (O-6) Chief of Staff - U. S. Coast Guard Heartland District - Orleans, LA

    Ulysses Mullins, the CAPTAIN (O-6) Chief of Staff - U. S. Coast Guard Heartland District - Orleans, LA at United States Coast Guard, directs strategic initiatives and operational coordination within the vital Heartland District. Mullins ensures the effective implementation of Coast Guard directives across this expansive region, focusing on safeguarding inland waterways and associated environmental interests. This leadership position involves managing key staff functions and facilitating seamless communication between district operations and higher command. Ulysses Mullins's role is critical in maintaining a persistent presence and ensuring the adaptability of maritime professionals operating in the district's diverse environments. The CAPTAIN (O-6) Chief of Staff's focus on operational readiness directly supports the Coast Guard's broader mission of maritime safety and security within the United States.

    Sharon Russell - USCG District 13 Reserve Chief of Staff

    Sharon Russell, the USCG District 13 Reserve Chief of Staff at United States Coast Guard, manages critical staff functions and operational support for the Reserve component within the Thirteenth District. Russell ensures the readiness and effective deployment of Reserve personnel, aligning their capabilities with the district's maritime safety and security objectives. This role involves coordinating training, resource management, and strategic planning to enhance the Reserve force's adaptability. The USCG District 13 Reserve Chief of Staff plays a key part in maintaining the Coast Guard's persistent presence and its capacity to respond to diverse maritime challenges in the region. Sharon Russell's leadership ensures that the Reserve force remains a vital asset in safeguarding environmental interests and upholding U.S. maritime law.

    Warren Judge - Chief of Staff For the Coast Guard's East District

    Warren Judge, the Chief of Staff For the Coast Guard's East District at United States Coast Guard, orchestrates strategic operations and administrative functions within the East District command. Judge ensures the seamless execution of directives, enhancing the district's responsiveness and operational tempo. This leadership role is vital for coordinating the efforts of maritime professionals and managing the district's broad legal authorities. The Chief of Staff For the Coast Guard's East District plays a critical part in maintaining a persistent presence along the eastern seaboard, safeguarding maritime and environmental interests. Warren Judge's focus on operational synergy directly supports the Coast Guard's mission of maritime safety and security in this key region.

    John Gregg - HR Chief of Staff

    John Gregg, the HR Chief of Staff at United States Coast Guard, manages the strategic implementation of human resources policies and programs across the organization. Gregg ensures that HR initiatives effectively support the Coast Guard's operational readiness and the well-being of its maritime professionals. This role is essential for aligning HR functions with the broader mission of safeguarding U.S. maritime and environmental interests. The HR Chief of Staff oversees critical administrative processes, facilitating efficient personnel management and development. John Gregg's leadership contributes to the Coast Guard's adaptability and its persistent presence by ensuring a robust and well-supported workforce. Gregg's efforts enhance the organization's capacity to execute its broad legal authorities.

    Michele Schallip - Chief of Staff & District Coast Arctic Guard (US)

    Michele Schallip, the Chief of Staff & District Coast Arctic Guard (US) at United States Coast Guard, directs strategic operations and administrative oversight for the Arctic Guard district. Schallip ensures the effective execution of maritime safety and security missions in this challenging and critical region. This leadership position involves coordinating the deployment of capable assets and managing the broad legal authorities pertinent to Arctic operations. The Chief of Staff & District Coast Arctic Guard (US) plays a vital role in maintaining a persistent presence and safeguarding environmental interests in the Arctic. Michele Schallip's focus on operational adaptability and partnership development is crucial for the Coast Guard's unique role in this expansive domain.

    Paul Jung - Chief Medical Officer

    Paul Jung, the Chief Medical Officer at United States Coast Guard, oversees the health and medical readiness of all personnel, ensuring the highest standards of care. Jung directs the implementation of comprehensive medical policies and programs that support the operational effectiveness of maritime professionals. This executive role is critical for maintaining the physical well-being of the Coast Guard workforce, enabling their persistent presence and adaptability. The Chief Medical Officer ensures that medical services align with the organization's broad legal authorities and its mission to safeguard U.S. interests. Paul Jung's leadership in healthcare directly contributes to the Coast Guard's capacity to execute its duties effectively and maintain its unique position as a vital armed force.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding United States Coast Guard Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads United States Coast Guard?
    United States Coast Guard is led by Lawrence Gaillard (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Hoon Park (HR Chief Financial Officer & Director) and Nicholas Testa (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of United States Coast Guard’s executive team?
    The executive team of United States Coast Guard includes leaders such as Lawrence Gaillard (Chief Executive Officer), Hoon Park (HR Chief Financial Officer & Director), Nicholas Testa (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does United States Coast Guard have?
    United States Coast Guard has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in United States Coast Guard’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of United States Coast Guard includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, HR Chief Financial Officer & Director, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, CAPTAIN (O-6) Chief of Staff - U. S. Coast Guard Heartland District - Orleans, LA.