TSC Staff
TSC Leadership
Randy “Church” Kee
Director
Maj. Gen. Randy “Church” Kee, United States Air Force (ret.) was appointed as the Director of the Ted Stevens for Arctic Security Studies on December 14, 2023. From August 23, 2021, to December 13, 2023, Kee served as the TSC Senior Advisor, Arctic Security Affairs, responsible to establish and conduct early operations of the center as Department of Defense’s sixth and newest regional center located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, near Anchorage, Alaska.
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Kee is responsible for leading the Stevens Center to engage in regional and global security issues through research, communication, and education. The goal of the center is to build strong, sustainable, international networks of security leaders to advance U.S. national security priorities in the Arctic region. Kee is also working with partner nations to ensure a stable, rules-based order in the Arctic that will benefit the United States and all Arctic nations.
In 2020, the President of the U.S. appointed Kee as a Commissioner to the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, and from January 4, 2016, to August 22, 2021, he served as the Executive Director of the Arctic Domain Awareness Center, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence in Maritime Research, hosted by the University of Alaska.
During his tenure in leading ADAC, a DHS Science and Technology Office of University Programs, U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Arctic Research Community recognized the center for contributions to “operator relevant” Arctic science and technology innovations, education and convergence events specifically oriented to address the challenges and to “enable the decision maker” in Arctic maritime crisis response.
In volunteer “pro-bono” capacities, Kee serves a Global Fellow of the Woodrow Wilson Polar Institute; Network member of the Canadian Hosted North American and Arctic Defense and Security Network; he is the designated U.S. lead for a technology working group hosted by the Chief of Naval Research in support of the International Cooperative Engagement Program for Polar Research. From late 2018 until early 2023, Kee served as the Co-chair of the Alaska Civilian Armed Services Team, a State of Alaska Advisory Board to the Governor.
During his 30-year military career, Kee led at the squadron, group, wing, and Air Operations Center levels. General Kee’s staff assignments include U.S. Transportation Command, HQ USAF, and the U.S. Joint Staff in both Operations plus Strategic Plans and Policy Directorates. He is a command pilot and prior qualified navigator, and logged 4,700 flying hours, 700 of which were in combat (Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan). While in uniform he contributed to U.S. Arctic Strategy, supported domain awareness technology development, and defense support to regional crisis response. He has considerable political-military, defense policy and security cooperation experience.
He culminated his military service as Director of Strategy, Policy, Planning and Capabilities for U.S. European Command (ECJ5/8) in Stuttgart, Germany. He holds three master’s degrees: Organizational Leadership, Air Mobility/Logistics Management, and Strategic Studies.
His U.S. Air Force biography is available at: www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/Display/tabid/225/Article/108465/major-general-randya-kee.aspx.
Craig Fleener
Deputy Director
Craig Fleener was appointed as the Deputy Director of the Ted Stevens for Arctic Security Studies on December 14, 2023. From January 2022 to December 2023, Fleener served the Deputy Advisor and Chief of Staff, for Arctic Security Affairs at the Stevens Center. In addition to his duties at the Stevens Center, Fleener serves in a traditional guardsman role with the Alaska Air National Guard.
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Fleener was born and raised in Alaska. He’s from Fort Yukon, a small town on the north bank of the Yukon River, eight miles above the Arctic Circle in northeastern interior, Alaska near the Yukon, Canada border.
He has a 35-year military career where he began as an enlisted U.S. Marine from 1986-1990. He transitioned to the Alaska Air National Guard in 1991 where he still serves today. He received his U.S. Air Force commission in 2001 from the Academy of Military Sciences. He has served as a supply warehouseman, a .50 caliber machine gunner, a KC-135 air refueling aircraft crew chief, maintenance controller, and maintenance officer. Fleener has participated in active deployed service in the U.S. Central Command region. He currently holds the rank of Lt. Col. serving in the Alaska Air National Guard as an intelligence officer with the 176 Airlift Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Most recently, he served on active duty for 16 months as the Chief of Staff and Arctic Cell Deputy to the Eleventh Air Force commander.
In his civilian career he served his community and tribe as a wildland fire fighter, wildlife biologist, climate researcher, and Director of a regional tribal non-profit providing healthcare, education, and natural resources management services. His duties include serving in elected office.
Fleener was active as a Permanent Participant of the Arctic Council as the International Co-chair of the Gwich’in Council International, one of the six internationally recognized Arctic indigenous groups. The Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation in the Arctic. The Gwich’in Council International is a non-profit organization that represents Gwich’in in Alaska, United States and the Yukon and Northwest Territories in Canada.
Fleener has served for three different governors of Alaska as the Director of the Division of Subsistence, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game, and as an appointed cabinet member responsible for Arctic Policy and Director of State and Federal Relations where he also served as third in line of succession for governor.
Fleener has also worked in and has a passion for economic development with a focus on rural and tribal development, blue economy, and new opportunities for rural residents of the state. Recently he supported the advancement and construction of broadband throughout rural Alaska.
Dean and Associate Directors
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Matthew T. Bell, Jr.
Dean of School of Arctic and Climate Security Studies
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Linda K. Denning
Associate Director for Mission Support
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Kelsey Frazier
Acting Associate Director, Research and Analysis
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Matthew J. Hickey
Associate Director for Strategic Engagement
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Joel A. Kopp
Associate Director for National & Arctic Interest Chairs
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Nicole A. Rumsey
Associate Director for Combatant Command Programs
Matthew T. Bell, Jr.
Dean of School of Arctic and Climate Security Studies
Former Commander, Seventeenth Coast Guard District, Juneau, AK, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Matthew T. Bell, Jr. joined the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies as Dean On 25 April 2022. He is responsible for the executive education program designed with the end goals of protecting the U.S. homeland, maintaining a favorable balance of power in the region, and promoting a shared approach to regional security and respect for the existing rules-based order. His thirty-six year Coast Guard career includes numerous operational tours in Alaska, including two command afloat assignments in Kodiak and most recently as the Commander, 17th Coast Guard District in Juneau where he was responsible for Coast Guard operations throughout Alaska, the North Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean. Dean Bell is a 1984 graduate from Northern Arizona University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He entered the Coast Guard in 1985 through Recruit Training Center Cape May and received his commission in 1986 upon graduation from Officer Candidate School. He holds a Master of Science in Chemistry awarded by Northern Arizona University in 1993 and is a graduate of Harvard University, National Preparedness Leadership Initiative.
Linda K. Denning
Associate Director for Mission Support
Linda K. Denning joined the Ted Stevens Center in May 2022. As Associate Director for Mission Support, she oversees budget, human resources, travel, information technology, contracting and facilities. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, Ms. Denning was Chief of Operations and Student Affairs at the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (the Perry Center), another member of the Department of Defense’s Regional Center Enterprise. At the Perry Center, she oversaw all operational aspects of the Center’s programs and events, as well as admissions, recruitment and contracting. Ms. Denning was a part of the Perry Center team from 1999-2022.
Prior to her service in the Regional Center Enterprise, Ms. Denning was a linguist and intelligence analyst with the Drug Enforcement Administration and served on active duty in the United States Army in the field of Military Intelligence. She is fluent in Spanish and conversant in Portuguese and Russian.
Ms. Denning holds degrees in International Relations and Economics from the University of California, Davis, and in Computer Science from Mary Washington University. She also holds a Master’s Certificate in Federal Government Program Management from George Washington University.
Kelsey Frazier
Acting Associate Director, Research and Analysis
Dr. Kelsey Frazier, a distinguished mechanical engineer, epitomizes dedication and expertise in Arctic security research. With a venerable career rooted in the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Arctic region, Dr. Frazier brings a profound depth of knowledge and passion to her work. As the Acting Associate Director for Research and Analysis at the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, a pivotal arm of the U.S. Department of Defense, she oversees the development and execution of research projects that are critical to understanding and securing the Arctic. Her tenure at TSC, which commenced in June 2022, is marked by notable contributions to operational research programs focused on the Arctic, thereby supporting the objectives of the Office of the Secretary of Defense (Policy), Combatant Commands (CCDRs), and military services.
Before her current role, Dr. Frazier was integral to the Arctic Domain Awareness Center at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where she honed her expertise in Arctic issues. Her scholarly journey culminated in earning a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, specializing in thermal-fluid dynamics in extreme Arctic conditions, boundary layer phenomena, and the critical interface between the ocean and sea ice, alongside climate science within the Arctic sphere.
Dr. Frazier’s work is driven by a lifelong fascination with snow and ice, rooted in her Alaskan heritage. This intrinsic motivation, combined with her academic background and professional experiences, positions her as a key figure in addressing the multifaceted aspects of national and human security within the Arctic region. Her efforts not only advance research but also shape the strategic posture of the United States in the Arctic, reflecting her commitment to both her field and her country.
Matthew J. Hickey
Associate Director for Strategic Engagement
Matthew J. Hickey serves as the Associate Director for Strategic Engagement and leads the Strategic Engagement Division at the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies. Matt joined the Ted Stevens Center on 5 December 2022. Prior to coming to the center, Matt served as the Legislative Assistant for National Security Affairs and Arctic Policy for U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski where he was responsible for defense and foreign operations appropriations, drafting Arctic-focused legislation, and building Arctic awareness in the National Capitol Region and across the country. Previous to that, Matt was an officer in the U.S. Army where, amongst a variety of assignments, he commanded the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, led combat operations in Afghanistan, taught and specialized in Arctic and Mountain Warfare, and participated in security cooperation operations in Europe and South Asia.
Matt holds a Master of Arts Degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography from the United States Military Academy, West Point.
Matt is an avid explorer who has led expeditions to high altitudes and latitudes on six continents and serves as a board member of a local chapter of the The Explorers Club.
Joel A. Kopp
Associate Director for National & Arctic Interest Chairs
Joel Kopp joined the Ted Stevens Center in late August 2023 on a one-year secondment from the U.S. Department of State. Kopp is a career Foreign Service Officer who has served in diplomatic missions in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, as well as in Washington D.C. Over the course of his 22-year career he has been trained in Spanish and Indonesian.
Kopp holds a Master of Marine Affairs degree from the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Nicole A. Rumsey
Associate Director for Combatant Command Programs
Nicole “Niki” Rumsey currently serves as the Associate Director for Combatant Command Programs. In this role, she serves as the lead for designing and aligning TSC activities to Combatant Commands’ campaigning. She provides the executive relationship and connection to TSC’s academic forums to build strong, sustainable, international networks of security professionals.
Prior to joining the Ted Stevens Center, she was the Deputy Division Chief for the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Joint Wargaming team. In this role she led a team that designed and executed two multinational Command wargames annually, providing outcomes that contributed to Homeland Defense frameworks, future Homeland Defense Designs, and Joint Staff future concepts. Her previous assignments include USNORTHCOM J3 COVID Crisis Action Cell Chief of Current Operations, design and planning support for USINDOPACOM geopolitical studies, and Program Manager for Combatant Command Integration for USEUCOM’s Russia Strategic Initiative.
Prior to joining the Department of Defense she was an arena and event manager, which allowed her to lead the production, day-of-show operations, budget, and logistics, and staff teams for national concert tours and large sporting events in arenas, convention centers, and performing arts theaters.
She holds an B.A. in Economics and Management and an MBA from Mercer University.
Deputy Dean and Associate Directors
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Michael K. Perez
Deputy Associate Director of Mission Support
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Matthew C. Schell
Deputy Associate Director, Research and Analysis
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Terrence Shanigan
Deputy Associate Director of Strategic Engagement
Michael K. Perez
Deputy Associate Director of Mission Support
Michael K. Perez has served as the Deputy Associate Director of Mission Support with the Ted Stevens Center since August of 2023. Prior to joining the TSC team, he served in the Army for 25 years, retiring as a Sergeant Major and the future concepts and capabilities assessments senior advisor in the Army Futures Command.
Matthew C. Schell
Deputy Associate Director, Research and Analysis
Matthew Schell joined the Ted Stevens Center in October of 2022. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he served for 28-years as an Army aviation officer with command experience at the company through brigade levels. Before he retired from the Alaska National Guard Schell served as the Arctic Security Advisor to the Adjutant General, Alaska.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from the United States Military Academy; a Master’s of Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle University; and a Master of Science in Security Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Terrence Shanigan
Deputy Associate Director of Strategic Engagement
Biography available soon.
TSC Staff
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Allan Alcancia
Executive Assistant
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Sabrina Collins
Talent Manager (HR Specialist)
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Cody Dees
Professor (Associate) International Security
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Christine Duprow
Curriculum Development Specialist
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Jessica Galli
Administrative Support Specialist
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Irina V. Gleason-Kumisbayeva
Senior Event Coordinator and Planner
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Amber E. Kurka
Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist
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David Madera
Supervisory IT Specialist
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Lori Mitchell
Senior Travel Manager
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Elizabeth Parry
Research Analyst, Arctic Awareness
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Randy Pennington
Protocol Officer
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Matthew A. Rhodes
Professor of International Security
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Jason Roe
Multimedia Specialist
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Xerex J. Santella
Senior Operations Specialist
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Hannah J. Smith
Strategic Communications Specialist
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Haliehana M. Stepetin
Assistant Professor of Arctic Security Studies
Allan Alcancia
Executive Assistant
Allan Alcancia joined the Ted Stevens Center in July 2023 as the Executive Assistant. In this role, Allan focuses on the management of a wide variety of essential administrative support functions, process development, and special assignments. Prior to joining the center, he served at the Forest Service-Alaska Regional Office as the lead Administrative Support Assistant for four program areas including Public Affairs, Tribal Relations, Civil Rights, and Employee Safety & Wellness. His areas of responsibility included fiscal management, purchasing, personnel on/offboarding, travel, procurement, and property management. Alcancia was the 2023 USDA Secretary Honor Awards recipient for his involvement in the implementation of the $25 million investments program in Southeast Alaska.
In addition to his comprehensive administrative role, Alcancia also supported website maintenance, SharePoint page development and data management, media monitoring and analysis, graphics and survey design, Government Publishing Office requisitions and order management, and the creation and implementation of Forest Service events and activities with emphasis on protocol standards. Before his move to Anchorage, Alcancia completed a detail assignment on capacity building and partnership coordination with the Office of the National Forest System in Washington D.C.
Alcancia credits his broad range of experience, both in Alaska and the lower-48, as the catalyst for his successful four years with the Forest Service. He provided programmatic support to inbound and outbound delegations of the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Scholarship Program; International Visitor Leadership Program; and the J1 Work Travel Program. He also gained extensive volunteer experience at the United Service Organizations Office; America’s Cup; and the International Children’s Games.
He was the former chair of the Juneau Sister Cities Committee, and former board member of the Juneau World Affairs Council. Alcancia graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, and a member of the Protocol & Diplomacy International – Protocol Officers Association.
Sabrina Collins
Talent Manager (HR Specialist)
Sabrina J. Collins joined the Ted Stevens Center on January 2, 2022. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, she worked as a Human Resources Specialist for the Department of the Air Force as well as the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) with 14 years’ experience.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Cody Dees
Professor (Associate) International Security
Dr. Cody J. Dees joined the professorial ranks of the Ted Stevens Center on December 3, 2023. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, Dr. Dees served as an active-duty Air Force 1A8 (Airborne Linguistic Cryptologist), where he acted as a modern day “Wind Talker,” performing real-time encryption, decryption, and translation of target communications, personally ensuring the safety and success of joint force engagements within his target theatre. Following his discharge and pursuit of his academic career, Dr. Dees proceeded to establish himself within the field of educational program administration, most recently holding the position of ‘Chief of General English Curriculum’ for the Defense Language Institute English Language Center, Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland, where he reestablished the institute’s foundational design frameworks, recreated the flagship English Language Training pipeline, and re-drafted internal policies which reduced development costs while improving process continuity and productivity.
Dr. Dees holds an interdisciplinary Ph.D. based in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching, which has been tailored to focus on the unique sociological aspects of educational culture and in applied language contexts. Having pioneered research in Values Theory, Dr. Dees’ research has created a new awareness of the intrinsic links between values systems and the immersion and transmission of culture, particularly within cross-cultural educational settings.
When asked about his broad range of personal, academic, and professional interests, he stated that they all stem from the desire to better understand “how people people, and why.”
Christine Duprow
Curriculum Development Specialist
Dr. Christine L. Duprow is the Curriculum Developer for the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies. As the lead curriculum developer within the team serving the center, Christine develops, plans, and executes Arctic security related course materials. Dr. Duprow is also a key part of the TSC’s work using human center design practices and facilitation. She recently completed her Doctorate in Education with an E-Learning specialization from National University. Prior to supporting the Ted Stevens Center Dr. Duprow was an Anchorage School District Department Chair and lead educator. Dr. Duprow is a transplant to Alaska via the U.S. Airforce and served for 23 years as a signals specialist and classified courier.
Jessica Galli
Administrative Support Specialist
Jessica Galli joined the Ted Stevens Center in August 2022. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, she worked at the Group Command Section of the PACAF Regional Support Center as the Civilian Liaison and Executive Support Specialist. She has worked on JBER since November 2017 and has held multiple key positions.
Galli served in the U.S. Coast Guard, and she holds a degree in Homeland Security Management.
Irina V. Gleason-Kumisbayeva
Senior Event Coordinator and Planner
Irina V. Gleason-Kumisbayeva joined the Ted Stevens Center on January 28, 2024. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, she was an Event Coordinator at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, located in Germany.
She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in Law from Kazakhstan State University in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
In addition to her studies leading to the master’s degree from the University of Maryland, she has pursued extensive studies at the University of New Mexico. She was accountant at the University of New Mexico Press, where she was responsible for managing account receivables for the university press. She was involved in international programs at the University of New Mexico, in particular exchange programs for scientists and scholars from countries of the former USSR.
Amber E. Kurka
Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist
Amber E. Kurka joined the Ted Stevens Center in August of 2023 and serves as the manager of the center’s Public Affairs program. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, she served as the chief of Public Engagement for U.S. Army Garrison Japan where she led all media relations and community relations outreach efforts across 17 Army Installations throughout the country of Japan. During her time at USAG Japan she won numerous Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Communication Awards and led her team to win the first-ever Jim “Goose” Guzior Communications Awards, sweeping all categories. In 2023, she was recognized by the Honolulu-Pacific Federal Executive Board as a Leader of the Year Award winner.
Ms. Kurka holds a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from Eastern Michigan University and Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communications from Western Illinois University.
David Madera
Supervisory IT Specialist
David T. Madera joined the Ted Stevens Center in October 2023 as a Supervisory IT Specialist. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he was the Chief Information Officer for the 3rd Dental Battalion aboard Camp Foster in Okinawa, Japan. Prior to that assignment Madera was an IT Specialist for the CIO4 Department within the Naval Facilities Command aboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Madera also served as an IT Specialist at Western Pacific Fleet Readiness Center aboard Naval Air Station Atsugi. He is a retired U.S. Marine.
Madera holds a certification with Cisco as a Cisco Certified Network Associate, and holds a certification with Microsoft as a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator. He holds a Security+ certification with CompTia and is currently working on his certification as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional with the International Information System Security Certification Consortium.
Lori Mitchell
Senior Travel Manager
Lori Mitchell joined the Ted Stevens Center on July 3, 2023. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, she was with CWT Sato Travel for the past 20 years, taking care of military travel.
She has received the highest civilian awards that one could get. The Alaska Commendation Medal and The Alaska Legion of Merit.
Elizabeth Parry
Research Analyst, Arctic Awareness
Elizabeth “Ellee” Parry is a Research Analyst specializing in Arctic Awareness at the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies. Perry’s research areas include One Health, health security, and the impacts of climate change on the interactions between humans, animals, and their shared environment in the Arctic. Parry is also a current Ph.D. student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where her research is focused on food security and One Health in Alaska. Prior to joining the TSC, Parry worked at the Arctic Domain Awareness Center (ADAC) as the Education and Administrative Manager. Parry has a Master of Science in Environment & Development from the University of Edinburgh, and a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Colorado State University.
Randy Pennington
Protocol Officer
Biography available soon.
Matthew A. Rhodes
Professor of International Security
Dr. Matthew A. Rhodes joined the Ted Stevens Center in January 2024. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he served on the faculty of the George C. Marshall Center in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany and the U.S. Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama.
He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
He is the author of numerous articles, book chapters, and policy papers dealing with U.S. foreign policy, transatlantic relations, and European security.
Jason Roe
Multimedia Specialist
Jason “Olaf” Roe joined the Ted Stevens Center as the Multimedia Specialist in January 2024. As part of the Ted Stevens Center communications team, Roe provides visual design and audio-visual technical support for the TSC. Prior to supporting the TSC in a government role, Roe served as the Media and Communications Specialist for ACT1 Federal on the Ted Stevens Center contract.
Roe has also previously served as the Associate Director and Senior Research Professional for the Arctic Domain Awareness Center (ADAC), a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence in Arctic Maritime Research, hosted by the University of Alaska. During his tenure at ADAC, Roe supervised the production of the center’s digital media and assisted in the management of a nationwide network of research teams focused on a diverse range of Arctic issues including GIS systems, communications, underwater robotics, oil and ice modeling and detection, and pollution mitigation strategies.
Roe retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2019 after 20 years of service, more than 10 of which involved operations planning of Search and Rescue, Maritime Environmental Response, and Maritime Law Enforcement operations in Alaska and the U.S. Arctic region.
Xerex J. Santella
Senior Operations Specialist
Xerex “Rex” J Santella currently serves as the Ted Stevens Center’s Senior Operations Specialist. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing long-range planning, operationalizing plans, deconflicting engagements, internal and external resource identification and coordination of TSC tasks. Within the Strategic Engagement Division, he assists with planning functions to ensure organizational readiness and appropriate deployment of resources. Prior to joining the Center, he was employed by Human Domains Solutions, LLC, as Program Services Support Specialist, providing contractual support regarding logistics, event planning, calendar management and other programming requirements.
Mr. Santella previously retired from the United States Air Force in January 2022. During his 21 years of active-duty service, he served as Superintendent of the Sustainment Services Flight for two Force Support Squadrons, and as Readiness Flight Superintendent in Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. He led his unit’s Wing Inspection Training program. He was also a Program Manager and sole Subject Matter Expert for the Force Support Career Field assigned to the Eleventh Air Force from 2011-2016. Some of his notable career accomplishments include his flight winning the squadron “Flight of the Year” award three years in a row, being selected as Air Force A1’s Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year in 2015, Alaska YMCA Armed Forces Service Person of the Year in 2013 and the John L. Levitow Leadership Award in 2015. Mr. Santella also delivered over 50 professional development classes during his career, displaying his passion towards mentoring and developing the U.S. Air Force’s next generation.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and associate degree in Fitness, Lodging and Recreation Management. He also published two books and is currently a board member for his local church.
Hannah J. Smith
Strategic Communications Specialist
Hannah Smith joined the Ted Stevens Center in February 2023 as a Strategic Communications Specialist. Prior to joining the Stevens Center, Smith worked as an Academic Specialist for the College of International Security Affairs at the National Defense University, where she managed an accredited Joint Professional Military Education Master of Arts program focused on irregular warfare. Additionally, she served as a Strategic Communications Consultant for the U.S. Army.
Smith holds a Mater of Arts in Security Studies with a concentration in Military Operations from the Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Dickinson College. Her research focuses on civil-military relations, specifically examining the impact of social media on public perceptions of the military.
Haliehana M. Stepetin
Assistant Professor of Arctic Security Studies
Dr. Haliehana Stepetin joined the Ted Stevens Center on 14 August 2023. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, she was an Assistant Professor of Alaska Native Studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage on Dena’ina lands. She has served in numerous roles over the past ten years at her regional Alaska Native organizations through internships and positions at the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Development Association, the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, and the Akutan Corporation and Akutan Qigiiĝun Tribe. She has contracted as a dance, art, and Unangam Tunuu [Unangax̂ Language] instructor at culture camps in the Unangax̂ region since 2013. She has a background in museums that began at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in 2013 and continued at the Bill Holm Center for Northwest Coast Native Art at the Burke Museum in Seattle until 2018. Dr. Stepetin served as a Fire Controlman 2nd Class Petty Officer (E-5/ESWS) onboard the USS Chosin CG 65 stationed at Pearl Harbor, HI (2008-2012).
She holds a PhD in Native American Studies with a Designated Emphasis in Studies in Performance and Practice from the University of California Davis (2023), a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies from the University of Washington Bothell (2018), and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies – Russia Track with minors in Russian and Anthropology from the University of Alaska Anchorage (2016). Her dissertation titled, “Unangam Qaqamiiĝuu [Unangax̂ Subsistence] Cosmologies: Protocols of Sustainability, or Ways of Being Unangax̂,” connects environmental justice, Indigenous food sovereignty, and climate change research with, by, and for Unangax̂ and Circumpolar Arctic communities. Dr. Stepetin’s work tends to social justice and equity in research by uplifting Indigenous Knowledge and the keepers of it as valid and valued experts and scientists. She weaves together her transdisciplinary experience deeply shaped by the Unangax̂ subsistence cosmology she was raised within as an artist and scholar.
Contracted Support
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Rahsaan Ash
IT Services; Dep Prgm Mgr/Site Lead, ACT1 Federal
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Dieter E. Bareihs
Program Manager, ACT1 Federal
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Tim Brennan
Web Developer and Designer, ACT1 Federal
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Gail E. Chambers
Curriculum Developer, ACT1 Federal
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Elizabeth E. Copes
Participant Programs Manager, ACT1 Federal
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Kathryn B. Friedman
North American Arctic Policy Advisor, ACT1 Federal
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Olga M. Gary
Curriculum Developer, ACT1 Federal
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Courtney M. Guinan
Events Program Planning Manager, ACT1 Federal
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John D. Hunter
Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation Analyst
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Connor N. Keesecker
Deputy Registrar/Support, Act-1 Federal, Contractor
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Susan L. A. McGee
Office Manager & Travel Coordinator
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Dominick Ruggio
Jr. IT Consultant, ACT1 Federal
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Mary Kate Soliva
Senior Event Program Planner
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Dwayne A. Wood
Training and Curriculum Developer, ACT1 Federal
Rahsaan Ash
IT Services; Dep Prgm Mgr/Site Lead, ACT1 Federal
Rahsaan Ash joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on 21 February 2023. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, he was a Systems and Network Engineer for the 673rd Civil Engineering Group on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. He is a former US Army Infantryman, serving from 2006 until 2017.
He holds a BAS in Business Administration, with a specialization in Cybersecurity from Wayland Baptist University. In October of 2023, he became a ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Practitioner. He is also a graduate of the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC)’s Information Technology program, based in Seward, Alaska.
Dieter E. Bareihs
Program Manager, ACT1 Federal
Dieter E. Bareihs joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on 27 Dec 2021. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, he served as the U.S. Deputy Director at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. He retired in 2018 as a Brigadier General, after serving more than 29 years in the United States Air Force.
He received his commission in 1989 and graduated as a distinguished graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course and is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours in various aircraft, predominantly the F-16. While on active duty, he served in several operational, command and staff assignments, including twice at Eielson AFB, AK. In his final active-duty assignment, he served as Director Plans, Programs, and Analysis, United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa where he participated in the Headquarters Air Staff study which laid the foundation for the inaugural Air Force Arctic Strategy.
He holds master’s degrees in Engineering Management, Military Operational Art and Science and in National Resource Strategy.
His USAF biography is available at: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/581228/dieter-e-bareihs/
Tim Brennan
Web Developer and Designer, ACT1 Federal
Tim Brennan joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on May 17, 2023. Tim supports the Ted Stevens Center as a web developer, designer, and digital strategist.
Tim is a highly effective design and development specialist with twenty-six years’ experience designing, developing, producing, and leading large federal and commercial digital initiatives. During his career, Tim has been a director in both large and boutique commercial and federal engagements and has a proven track record of innovation and success. His experience encompasses all areas of media and web design including content management, customized web tools, video, animation, branding, and graphic design. Tim’s recent federal client engagements include DHS, HHS, DOD, GSA, and FCC.
Tim’s specialties include:
- UI/UX/CX
- Digital Strategy
- WordPress/Drupal/SharePoint/Joomla/
- Graphic Design
- Data and Analytics
- Web Content Writing
- 508 Compliance
- Scrum Master
- User Testing and Focus Groups
- Information Architecture
- Search Engine Optimization
- AWS/Server Configuration
- Wire-framing and Prototyping
- User-Centered Design
- Video and Animation
Gail E. Chambers
Curriculum Developer, ACT1 Federal
Gail E. Chambers joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on May 30, 2023. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, she worked as a Digital Learning Administrator/Lead Instructional Designer for Horizons Control Group, an engineering firm with offices in the United States and Ireland. Gail has 15 years of experience working for government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations as an instructional designer/developer/ LMS administrator.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Instructional Design and Technology from Walden University, as well as a minor in Human Computer Interaction
Elizabeth E. Copes
Participant Programs Manager, ACT1 Federal
Elizabeth E. Copes joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on November 10, 2021. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, she was a Global Events Manager who supported DOD Office of Small Business Programs & USAID hosted events on three continents. Previously, Beth applied her passion for customer engagement, service delivery & process improvement in both the government contracting (FAA & NASA) and not-for-profit administration arenas.
She holds a master’s degree in business administration.
As an advocate of Servant Leadership, Beth has invested countless hours over two decades leading community service and civic engagement organizations both as a volunteer and executive member of multiple community boards.
Kathryn B. Friedman
North American Arctic Policy Advisor, ACT1 Federal
Dr. Kathryn B. Friedman joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center in July 2022. She also serves as a Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Canada Institute). Kathryn is a recognized foreign policy expert, with two decades of experience collaborating with and advising US, Canadian, and European government officials on security, borders, migration, and transboundary water challenges. Her work sits at the intersection of law, security, geopolitics, and governance. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, she served on the faculty at the University at Buffalo where she directed a law and policy program on the US-Canada relationship.
Kathryn holds a Ph.D., with a concentration in international relations and comparative politics, and a J.D., magna cum laude, with a concentration in international law. She served as a Fulbright Fellow (Germany) and an Abshire Inamori Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC. Kathryn clerked for two appellate judges and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Olga M. Gary
Curriculum Developer, ACT1 Federal
Olga “Olgy” M. Gary joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on May 17, 2023. Concurrent with supporting the Stevens Center as a curriculum developer, Olgy is the Lead Instructional Designer at Oral Roberts University, where she serves as the Quality Matters (QM) Institution Representative and Quality Assurance Specialist.
She holds a B.A. in Geology, an M.A. in Education with an emphasis on Human Performance Technology/Instructional Design and is a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration candidate with an expected graduation date of May 2024.
Her publications include:
- The Kampei Game: Experience the joy of crossing cultural barriers; The Luna Game: A Cross-Cultural Experience.
- The art, business and science of editing children’s books; Cook Partners Magazine.
- Unpublished Papers: 1) Disruptive Innovation in Higher Education; (2) Who Will Speak for the Voiceless? A Case for Racial Diversity in Higher Education; (3) Race and Educational Access in American Higher Education
Courtney M. Guinan
Events Program Planning Manager, ACT1 Federal
Courtney Guinan joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center in October 2023 as the Events Program Planning Manager. Prior to supporting the Ted Stevens Center, she spent a decade at sea facilitating elite, luxury service on board some of the world’s most prestigious private super yachts. This role took her to over 30 countries and she collaborated with ultra-high net worth individuals on projects ranging from the public launching of companies on the NYSE to multi-million-dollar refit projects on board their private vessels. Guinan has unique experience in creating distinctive events within the logistical confines of being at sea or in extremely remote locations with limited resources.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business from the Eli Broad School of Business at Michigan State University, graduating with honors.
John D. Hunter
Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation Analyst
John D. Hunter joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on March 11, 2024. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he retired from the Army after 25 years serving in many roles in Special Operations, Associate Athletics director at Army West Point Athletics, an Infantry officer, and with Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) as a special agent.
He holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Texas Christian University and a M.S. in Sport Administration from Liberty University.
Connor N. Keesecker
Deputy Registrar/Support, Act-1 Federal, Contractor
Connor Keesecker joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center in December 2022 as Deputy
Registrar/Deputy Support. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he served as the Communications and Research
Associate for the Arctic Domain Awareness Center, a DHS Center of Excellence hosted by the University of Alaska
Anchorage. He previously worked on economic development and community issues with non-profits in Anchorage.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Susan L. A. McGee
Office Manager & Travel Coordinator
Susan L. A. McGee joined ACT 1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on April 3, 2023. She works closely with other staff across the center to coordinate operations and visibility of events on both long-range and short-range calendars. She is preparing the center’s business operations manual – bringing together center policies and Standard operating procedures into one place to assist in creating more efficient business practices. Prior to supporting the Ted Stevens Center, she was an Office Manager and Paralegal for many years.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. She passed the IRS Registered Tax Return Preparer Exam in 2012 and has owned her own tax business since 2019. She has over 180 continuing education credits and is listed in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with credentials and select qualifications.
Dominick Ruggio
Jr. IT Consultant, ACT1 Federal
Dominick Ruggio joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center in December 2023 as a Jr. IT Consultant. Prior to supporting the Ted Stevens Center, he served in the U.S. Army as an information technology specialist for eight years.
He holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Information Technology.
Mary Kate Soliva
Senior Event Program Planner
Mary Kate Soliva joined Human Domain Solutions and ACT 1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on February 1, 2024. Prior to supporting the Ted Stevens Center, she was a Veteran Fellow with the Hoover Institute and a Special Operations veteran with the U.S Army as a Psychological Operations Soldier. She currently serves in the U.S Army Reserves.
She holds a bachelor and master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Guam and is pursuing a Doctor of Criminal Justice, Homeland Security from Saint Leo University.
She is a TEDx Hagåtña speaker and cofounded a 501c3 called the Guam Human Rights Initiative to advance research on human rights in Guam and Micronesia.
She is CHamoru (indigenous people of Guam and the Mariana Islands) and proud of her familial ties to Guam.
Dwayne A. Wood
Training and Curriculum Developer, ACT1 Federal
Dwayne A. Wood joined ACT1 Federal in support of the Ted Stevens Center on 15 May 2023. Prior to supporting the Stevens Center, he held instructional design and instructor positions in the government and higher education sectors.
He holds a Doctorate in Education and a Master’s in Adult Education.
He retired from the Army after 22 years serving in many roles such as Combat Engineer, Human Resources, Special Operations Support, Senior Enlisted Advisor, and Military Science Instructor.
Agency Representatives, and Fellows
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Jereme M. Altendorf
Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Senior Arctic Service Lead
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Shannon Jenkins
U.S. Coast Guard Senior Arctic Policy Advisor in Marine Transportation Systems Directorate (CG-5PW Arctic)
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Daniel M. Jones
U.S. Coast Guard Fellow
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Joseph Thomas, Jr.
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard Liaison & Instructor
Jereme M. Altendorf
Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Senior Arctic Service Lead
Commander Jereme M. Altendorf joined the Ted Stevens Center on November 15, 2023. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he was assigned to Sector Anchorage where he was the program manager for Sector Anchorage’s Arctic Operations where he managed a $1.2M annual budget that ensured Coast Guard regulatory missions were completed throughout rural Alaska. CDR Altendorf is also a subject matter expert with regards marine environmental protection, specifically oil and chemical spill planning, preparedness, and response. Before his time in Alaska, CDR Altendorf coordinated the US Coast Guard’s Maritime Security efforts for the 2017 58th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, DC, and the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, PA. He served as the Training Officer for the Coast Guard’s National Strike Force Atlantic Strike Team, Hazardous Substance Response Specialist for the Strike Force Coordination Center, and Operations Officer for the Pacific Strike Team.
CDR Altendorf graduated from Creighton University with a B.S. in Chemistry and Environmental Science. He went on to get a Master’s in Engineering, with an emphasis in Environmental Engineering, from the University of Missouri and a M.B.A. from George Washington University and is a Certified Hazardous Material Manager (CHMM) and Project Management Professional (PMP). He has spent over 20 years working for various agencies of the federal government (EPA, Coast Guard and Dept. of the Interior) regulating the actions of the public and private sector as it relates to the handling of hazardous waste, managed million-dollar environmental Superfund and oil spill cleanup projects, assisted in the investigation and prosecution of environmental civil and criminal cases, and responded to all types of oil and chemical spills in rivers, bays, and oceans.
Shannon Jenkins
U.S. Coast Guard Senior Arctic Policy Advisor in Marine Transportation Systems Directorate (CG-5PW Arctic)
Shannon Jenkins serves as head of the Arctic Policy Office at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters. His responsibilities include coordinating Arctic cross-directorate actions, harmonizing Coast Guard program office and field efforts, leading Arctic policy and strategy development, and tracking Arctic implementation-plan actions and progress. Shannon provides expert assistance on Arctic topics both internal and external to the Coast Guard and advances National interests and dialogue through public, private, and international forums. His mandate is to advance the Coast Guard’s Arctic strategy of ensuring safe, secure, and environmentally responsible maritime activity in the region.
Prior to his role as Senior Arctic Policy Advisor, Shannon served as a Program Manager within the Coast Guard’s Research, Development, Test, & Evaluation Program. He managed the Arctic and the Environmental & Waterways research areas. His duties included identifying and prioritizing research needs, coordinating project execution and resource management, and addressing internal and external leadership queries. Shannon was also a member of the matrix team that developed the Coast Guard 2010 High Latitude Mission Analysis Report.
Shannon Jenkins has 30+ years of Federal service, most of those with the Coast Guard. He earned a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Mississippi State University and a Master’s degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School.
Daniel M. Jones
U.S. Coast Guard Fellow
Lieutenant Commander Daniel M. Jones is currently serving as a Fellow at the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies while also pursuing a master’s degree with the University of Alaska-Anchorage in Arctic Security. He is a 2013 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Marine and Environmental Science. Lieutenant Commander Jones also holds a Masters in Organization Performance and Workplace Learning from Boise State University.
Lieutenant Commander Jones has over seven years of sea service. His previous assignments include:
- Commanding Officer of CGC THUNDER BAY in Rockland, ME
- Coast Guard Liaison for the Navy’s Arctic Expeditionary Capabilities Exercise onboard USS COMSTOCK
- Deputy of the Assessments, Inspections, & Audits (AIA) Governance Office at USCG Force Readiness Command in Norfolk, VA
- Temporary Executive Officer of CGC THUNDER BAY in Rockland, ME
- Executive Officer of CGC NEAH BAY in Cleveland, OH
- Deck Watch Officer onboard CGC HEALY in Seattle, WA
His military awards include two Coast Guard Commendation Medals with “O” Device, three Commandant’s Letters of Commendation, and a pair of Arctic Service medals, among others.
Joseph Thomas, Jr.
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard Liaison & Instructor
Captain Joseph “Grant” Thomas joined the Ted Stevens Center in July 2023. Prior to coming to the Ted Stevens Center, he was the military deputy Chief of Operations (J3) at Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West, FL. He is a native of Louisville, Kentucky and was commissioned in February of 2003 through Officer Candidate School. Captain Thomas holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee and an M.S. in Science and Technology Intelligence, with a certificate in Denial and Deception, from the National Intelligence University in Washington, D.C.
With over eight years of sea time, Captain Thomas has conducted a wide range of Coast Guard missions including search and rescue, law enforcement, defense operations, marine environmental protection, and Intelligence Community national security activities. His prior maritime operational assignments include:
Deck Watch Officer and First Lieutenant aboard CGC BEAR (WMEC 901) in Portsmouth, VA from 2003-2005.
Commanding Officer of CGC TIGER SHARK (WPB 87359) in Newport, RI from 2005-2007.
Commanding Officer of CGC MONOMOY (WPB 1326) forward deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 2009-2010.
Commanding Officer of CGC BLOCK ISLAND (WPB 1344) in Atlantic Beach, NC from 2010-2012.
Executive Officer of CGC DOUGLAS MUNRO (WHEC 724) in Kodiak, AK from 2020-2021.
While serving as military aide to both the Coast Guard Chief of Staff and the Atlantic Area Commander from 2007-2009, he coordinated strategic and operational engagements for one of the Coast Guard’s four Vice Admirals. From 2013-2017 he served as an agent with the Coast Guard Counterintelligence Service (CGCIS) in Washington, D.C. where he was the Assistant Director for Mission Support and Executive Officer of Military Personnel. From 2017-2020 Captain Thomas was Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Cryptologic Unit Colorado where his unit was the Coast Guard Service Cryptologic Element of National Security Agency/Central Security Service Colorado. In this capacity, he supported worldwide Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and cybersecurity cryptologic activities to enable national and allied priority intelligence objectives.
Captain Thomas is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard 200-ton master mariner and a nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
