United States Coast Guard Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

United States Coast Guard has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operational oversight, administrative management, and human capital development.

Committed to maritime safety and environmental protection, United States Coast Guard maintains a persistent presence across global waterways to ensure national security and facilitate secure international trade.

Leadership Roles at United States Coast Guard

  • Chief Executive Officer - Daniel Nielsen
  • HR Chief Financial Officer & Director - Hoon Park
  • Chief Operating Officer - Nicholas Testa
  • Chief of Staff & Chief Operating Officer & District Administrative ) Oceania Officer - Alan McCabe
  • Chief Operating Officer, Arcitc Strategic & Operational Planning - Molly Hayes
  • Chief of Staff - Arex Avanni
  • District 7 Chief of Staff - Judith Hudson
  • Executive Officer To the Coast Guard Chief of Staff - John Gregg
  • Chief People Officer - Alexander Brown
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Kalyn Doss
  • Daniel Nielsen - Chief Executive Officer

    Daniel Nielsen, the Chief Executive Officer at United States Coast Guard, directs the overarching strategic vision for this maritime military force. Nielsen architects high-level policy frameworks that govern the deployment of assets across littoral regions and high seas. By aligning organizational objectives with Department of Homeland Security mandates, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the force remains an adaptable instrument of national security. This leadership role involves constant coordination with federal partners to address evolving maritime threats. Daniel Nielsen drives the implementation of long-term safety initiatives that protect environmental interests globally. Through rigorous oversight of mission readiness, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the operational integrity of the entire organization. Nielsen secures the necessary resources to support diverse maritime missions, ensuring that the force effectively safeguards national interests from local ports to international waters while maintaining a posture of constant readiness and professional excellence.
    Daniel Nielsen

    Hoon Park - HR Chief Financial Officer & Director

    Hoon Park, the HR Chief Financial Officer & Director at United States Coast Guard, manages the financial resources and human capital strategies essential for organizational success. Park architects the budgetary frameworks that support the recruitment, training, and retention of maritime professionals. The HR Chief Financial Officer & Director oversees the allocation of funds to ensure that personnel have the necessary tools and training to perform their duties effectively. By aligning financial planning with human resource requirements, Hoon Park drives the development of a highly skilled and motivated workforce. This role involves the oversight of fiscal compliance and the strategic management of personnel programs to enhance organizational efficiency. Park ensures that the financial health of the force supports its long-term mission objectives. Through the integration of financial and human capital management, the HR Chief Financial Officer & Director sustains the operational readiness of the entire organization.

    Nicholas Testa - Chief Operating Officer

    Nicholas Testa, the Chief Operating Officer at United States Coast Guard, directs the daily execution of maritime operations and asset management. Testa oversees the deployment of cutters, aircraft, and specialized teams to ensure persistent presence along rivers and coastal regions. The Chief Operating Officer architects logistical solutions that support the force in maintaining environmental stewardship and maritime safety. By optimizing the utilization of technical assets, Nicholas Testa ensures that the organization meets its operational requirements across all littoral zones. Testa coordinates with regional commanders to address specific security challenges, ensuring that tactical responses remain aligned with national objectives. This leadership role involves the continuous assessment of operational performance metrics to drive efficiency and mission success. Through the management of complex maritime logistics, the Chief Operating Officer sustains the capability of the force to respond to emergencies and enforce maritime law effectively.
    Nicholas Testa

    Alan McCabe - Chief of Staff & Chief Operating Officer & District Administrative ) Oceania Officer

    Alan McCabe, the Chief of Staff & Chief Operating Officer & District Administrative ) Oceania Officer at United States Coast Guard, directs the administrative and operational framework for Oceania-based maritime activities. McCabe architects the logistical and personnel strategies required to maintain a persistent presence in this expansive geographic region. The Chief of Staff & Chief Operating Officer & District Administrative ) Oceania Officer oversees the coordination of regional partnerships to enhance maritime domain awareness. By managing the administrative complexities of district operations, Alan McCabe ensures that all units possess the necessary support to execute their missions effectively. This role involves the integration of operational planning with local administrative requirements to drive mission success. McCabe monitors the performance of regional assets, ensuring that the force remains a reliable partner in maintaining safety and security across the Pacific. Through this multifaceted leadership position, the officer sustains the operational integrity of the organization in a critical international theater.
    Alan McCabe

    Molly Hayes - Chief Operating Officer, Arcitc Strategic & Operational Planning

    Molly Hayes, the Chief Operating Officer, Arcitc Strategic & Operational Planning at United States Coast Guard, directs the development and execution of strategic initiatives within the Arctic region. Hayes architects long-term operational plans that account for the unique environmental and geopolitical challenges of this high-latitude theater. The Chief Operating Officer, Arcitc Strategic & Operational Planning oversees the deployment of specialized assets capable of operating in extreme conditions to ensure maritime safety and environmental protection. By coordinating with international stakeholders, Molly Hayes drives the expansion of the force's capabilities in the Arctic. This role involves the rigorous assessment of infrastructure needs and the management of operational risks to support national interests. Hayes ensures that all planning efforts align with the broader mission of the organization. Through the strategic oversight of Arctic operations, the Chief Operating Officer, Arcitc Strategic & Operational Planning maintains a persistent and effective presence in this rapidly evolving maritime environment.

    Arex Avanni - Chief of Staff

    Arex Avanni, the Chief of Staff at United States Coast Guard, manages the internal synchronization of command functions and administrative workflows. Avanni coordinates the flow of information between senior leadership and operational units to ensure rapid decision-making during critical maritime incidents. The Chief of Staff oversees the integration of departmental policies, ensuring that all units adhere to the legal authorities granted to this military organization. Arex Avanni facilitates cross-functional collaboration to optimize the deployment of personnel and equipment across diverse geographic theaters. By streamlining communication channels, the Chief of Staff enhances the responsiveness of the force in both domestic ports and international maritime zones. Avanni monitors the execution of strategic directives, providing the necessary support to maintain operational continuity. This role requires precise management of organizational priorities to ensure that the force remains a highly effective instrument of maritime safety and security.

    Judith Hudson - District 7 Chief of Staff

    Judith Hudson, the District 7 Chief of Staff at United States Coast Guard, manages the administrative and operational coordination within the Seventh District. Hudson oversees the integration of regional assets to ensure effective coverage of critical maritime corridors and port facilities. The District 7 Chief of Staff architects local response strategies that align with broader national security goals. By facilitating communication between field units and headquarters, Judith Hudson ensures that regional operations remain agile and responsive to environmental or security threats. This role involves the management of district-level resources to support search and rescue missions, law enforcement, and environmental protection efforts. Hudson drives the implementation of standardized procedures to enhance the operational readiness of the district. Through the oversight of regional administrative functions, the District 7 Chief of Staff maintains the high standards of performance required to protect maritime interests within this vital geographic area.

    John Gregg - Executive Officer To the Coast Guard Chief of Staff

    John Gregg, the Executive Officer To the Coast Guard Chief of Staff at United States Coast Guard, manages the daily administrative support and operational coordination for the Chief of Staff. Gregg architects the flow of critical information and ensures that the Chief of Staff remains informed on all key maritime developments. The Executive Officer To the Coast Guard Chief of Staff oversees the preparation of briefings and the coordination of high-level meetings to facilitate effective decision-making. By managing the administrative workload, John Gregg allows the Chief of Staff to focus on strategic priorities and organizational leadership. This role involves the close monitoring of operational status reports to ensure that the force remains responsive to national security needs. Gregg drives the implementation of administrative policies that enhance the efficiency of the command staff. Through the diligent management of executive support functions, the Executive Officer To the Coast Guard Chief of Staff maintains the operational effectiveness of the leadership team.

    Alexander Brown - Chief People Officer

    Alexander Brown, the Chief People Officer at United States Coast Guard, directs the strategies for personnel development, talent management, and organizational culture. Brown architects programs that support the professional growth and well-being of the maritime professionals who serve in the force. The Chief People Officer oversees the implementation of policies that ensure a diverse and capable workforce, ready to meet the challenges of maritime safety and security. By focusing on the needs of the personnel, Alexander Brown drives the retention of high-performing individuals across all ranks. This role involves the coordination of training initiatives and the management of human capital resources to support the mission of the organization. Brown ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the core values and strategic goals of the force. Through the strategic management of people-focused programs, the Chief People Officer sustains the operational readiness and professional excellence of the entire organization.

    Kalyn Doss - Chief Administrative Officer

    Kalyn Doss, the Chief Administrative Officer at United States Coast Guard, manages the internal business processes and administrative infrastructure that support the force's mission. Doss architects the systems and policies that govern daily operations, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and organizational standards. The Chief Administrative Officer oversees the management of facilities, information technology, and administrative support services across the organization. By streamlining these essential functions, Kalyn Doss drives the efficiency of the force's operational units. This role involves the coordination of cross-departmental administrative efforts to ensure that resources are utilized effectively. Doss monitors the performance of administrative systems to identify areas for improvement and innovation. Through the oversight of the organization's administrative backbone, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the force remains a well-supported and highly functional instrument of maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in all its diverse areas of operation.
    Kalyn Doss

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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 Daniel Nielsen (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 Daniel Nielsen (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 & Chief Operating Officer & District Administrative ) Oceania Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Arcitc Strategic & Operational Planning.