U.S. Coast Guard Academy Leadership

Strategic leader in the maritime community [focused on emergency management and maritime security]; subject matter expertise in operations, financial management, and interagency coordination. Executive influencer focused on building collaborative relationships, driving continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional results to ensure organizational success. NIMS/ICS Incident Commander Type 1.

Seasoned and driven C-Suite executive (CIO/COO/CTO/CISO) with 20 years of senior leadership experience. Establishes IT strategic vision to ensure success of business goals and objectives. Excels in analyzing and implementing IT requirements for maximum Return on Investment (ROI). Experience with directing large organizational matrixed teams providing leadership, mentorship, and supervision of more than 50 first line personnel and 300 second line personnel. Develops, controls, and executes budgets in excess of $10M annually. Experience managing military Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) & Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. 10+ years of vendor management dealing with contract negotiations and supply chain management. Strong professional with multiple degrees and certifications in IT, Cybersecurity, Project Management, and Leadership.

DEMONSTRATED ACHIEVEMENTS

• $4 million overhaul of college IT infrastructure to include cloud migration & application of NIST controls.

• IT service delivery to 4000+ end users geographically dispersed across SC, GA, FL, Puerto Rico, Caribbean.

• Program management of large-scale acquisitions valued in excess of $900 million.

• Development, negotiation and management of IT service contracts in excess of $30 million.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Executive Leadership - CIO/COO/CTO/CISO

• Strategic Vision

• Strategic Growth Plans

• Business / IT Alignment

• Process Improvement

• Program Management

• Supply Chain Management

• Vendor Management

• Budget Management

LCDR Melvin Torres - MS, CIH, CSP, SMS, COHC are a Chief, Inspections Division at US Coast Guard Academy and are based in Sector Corpus Christi. They have worked as Marine Investigating Officer/Marine Inspector at US Coast Guard Academy, Industrial Hygiene Intern at WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES, and Recruit Training at US Coast Guard TRACEN Cape May. Lcdr attended University of Washington between 2012 and 2014; National Graduate School of Quality Management/The between 2008 and 2009; and Newburgh Theological Seminary, Newburgh College of the Bible between 2015 and 2018.

David Vihonski, CEM is a Chief, Emergency and Disaster Management School at US Coast Guard Academy and Emergency Manager/Incident Command System (ICS) Program Manager at US Coast Guard Academy and is based in Portsmouth, Virginia. He has worked as Sector Houston-Galveston VTS Operations Officer, VTS Watch Supervisor at US Coast Guard Academy; Lieutenant Junior Grade at US Coast Guard Academy; and Combat Information Systems Officer, Law Enforcement Officer, Navigation/Assistant Operations Officer at US Coast Guard Academy. David works or has worked as Secretary, Uniformed Services Caucus at IAEM - International Association of Emergency Managers. He studied at American Military University between 2008 and 2011 and US Coast Guard Academy between 2002 and 2006.

Team oriented expert, and highly proficient active duty U.S. Coast Guard Senior Chief Petty Officer/E-8, transitioning from 23 + years of service. Over ten years' of leading IT Security/Networks Projects in fast paced critical environments.



Business Highlights

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex and demanding project life cycles

• Successfully maintained positive customer relations throughout all phases of the Project life cycle including prompt and effective communication with upper level management.

• Outstanding mentor and co-worker bringing out the best in all members of the team

• 20+ years as the manager of Coast Guard members and civilian employees. Ability to effectively develop team atmosphere and achieve exemplary results even with differing personalities and skill sets

• Strong background in technology and systems support, able to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical persons

• Outstanding presentation and communication skills.

Lauren Bloch is a Chief, Investigations Division at US Coast Guard Academy and is based in Savannah Georgia Area. She has worked as Apprentice Marine Inspector at US Coast Guard Academy, Cadet at US Coast Guard Academy, and Front Desk Associate at Inverness Club. Lauren works or has worked as Coach at US Coast Guard Academy and Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity. She studied at US Coast Guard Academy between 2009 and 2013 and Columbia Southern University between 2015 and 2017.

Phyllis Thomas-Kramer works at US Coast Guard Academy and a Supply Chief at US Coast Guard Academy and is based in North Charleston, South Carolina. She attended Lakewood Sr. High between 1979 and 1983.

Thomas DeNucci is a Program Chair/Section Chief Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at US Coast Guard Academy, Assistant Dean of Academics at US Coast Guard Academy, and Assistant Professor at US Coast Guard Academy and is based in New London, Connecticut. He has worked as PhD Student at US Coast Guard Academy and Assistant Professor at USCG Academy. Thomas attended Naval Postgraduate School between 2007 and 2008, US Coast Guard Academy between 1994 and 1998, and TU Delft between 2008 and 2012.

William Smith, P.E. is a Division Chief at US Coast Guard Academy and is based in New London, Connecticut. He has worked as Modernization Project Officer at CG Headquarters, Environmental & Fire Protection Branch Chief at CG Headquarters, and Chief Of Staff at Coast Guard Engineering and Logistics. William studied at US Coast Guard Academy between 1987 and 1991 and University of New Hampshire between 1999 and 2001.