CGMA OPENS NEW CHAPTER IN 102-YEAR HISTORY WITH FIRST INDEPENDENTLY ELECTED BOARD PRESIDENT

Rear Adm. Christopher Hulser selected under new governance structure designed to provide long-term leadership continuity

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA), the official relief society of the U.S. Coast Guard, has marked a major milestone in its 102-year history with the selection of Rear Adm. Christopher Hulser as the organization's elected Board President.

Hulser was selected by the CGMA Board of Directors under a newly established governance structure designed to strengthen leadership continuity and long-term oversight. Previously, the presidency was held ex officio by the Coast Guard officer serving in a designated senior workforce management position. Under the new structure, the president is elected by the board and serves a multiyear term independent of future Coast Guard assignments.

Hulser recently assumed command of Coast Guard Logistics Command. Under CGMA's new governance structure, his service as board president will continue independently of future Coast Guard assignments.

"CGMA has been a trusted source of support for Coast Guard families for more than a century," said Brooke Millard, CEO of CGMA. "As the Coast Guard continues to navigate new challenges and opportunities, this new governance structure strengthens leadership continuity and positions CGMA to continue delivering exceptional support to our workforce. Rear Adm. Hulser is uniquely qualified to help lead the organization into its next chapter, and I am confident he will help advance CGMA's mission for years to come."

As the official relief society of the U.S. Coast Guard, CGMA provides grants, interest-free loans, financial counseling and other programs designed to ensure temporary financial setbacks do not become long-term hardships for Coast Guard members and families.

The leadership transition comes as CGMA continues to expand its reach and respond to growing needs across the Coast Guard community. In 2025 alone, CGMA delivered $12.1 million in financial assistance to more than 4,000 members of the Coast Guard community, helping families navigate unexpected financial challenges and emergencies.

CGMA rapidly responds to support the Coast Guard during moments of extraordinary need. During the 2025 and 2026 government shutdowns, the organization delivered more than $3.6 million in assistance to over 1,400 Coast Guard civilian employees affected by lapses in pay. This year, CGMA provided $150,000 to Coast Guard shoreside personnel stationed in the Middle East who evacuated unexpectedly, many who were unable to pack a seabag. Each member received a $500 grant for essentials like toiletries, a uniform, and shoes. CGMA also delivered over $130,000 in grants to Oceania Coast Guard members affected by Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi.

"I believe this new structure will provide critical continuity to support CGMA during their next century of service," said Hulser. "I am honored by the board's confidence to serve as the first elected President. A Coast Guardsman cannot focus on the mission if they or their family are paralyzed by financial instability or a crisis at home. For over a century, CGMA's ethos of 'Helping Our Own' has been a shield protecting operational readiness, and I am ready to help lead that effort."

The governance transition is part of a broader evolution of CGMA's Board of Directors. CGMA also recently welcomed four new board members: Charles "Skip" Bowen, the 10th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard; Meghan McClelland, executive director and CEO of the American Podiatric Medical Association; Clyde Douglas, executive vice president and chief member value officer at USAA and a Coast Guard veteran; and Cmdr. Ryan Kowalske, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.

Bowen was also elected vice president, further strengthening leadership continuity under the new governance structure.

About Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is the official relief society of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Founded and led by members of the Coast Guard community, CGMA has been Helping Our Own for more than 100 years. Today, more than 600 CGMA Representatives serve at over 140 locations around the world.

CGMA provides grants, interest-free loans, and other assistance to help Coast Guard members and families navigate emergencies, disasters, education expenses, family needs, and other financial challenges.

Learn more at mycgma.org.

SOURCE Coast Guard Mutual Assistance