Cari Batson Thomas, Cae Email & Phone Number

Cari Thomas is a full time graduate student, again, this time studying Social Work. She recently was part of the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance team as the Chief Executive Officer, as its first woman CEO. As the official relief society for the Coast Guard, the motto of this organization is “ Helping Our Own.” The organization, formed in 1924 as the League of Coast Guard Women. She was on the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS). She also is a Board Member, Navy Mutual Aid Association and was the first woman Executive Director, Navy League of the United States. In this capacity, she was responsible for the national staff, and supporting the 50,000 civilians and 220 councils. Mrs. Thomas served her nation as a career Coast Guardsman, having achieved over 32 years as a commissioned officer culminating as a Rear Admiral. She was named a United States International Maritime Organization (IMO) Ambassador in 2015.Mrs. Thomas also served her community through volunteer programs such as English is a Second Language, Habitat for Humanity, Feds Feed Families, and transporting shelter dogs. Cari has assisted a number of non-profit boards including: USCGA Alumni Association, Sea Services Leadership Association, US Naval Institute, Red Cross of America, Hawaii Chapter, Girl Scouts of America, Hawaii Chapter, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, Coast Guard Non-Pay Compensation Board. Rear Admiral Thomas graduated with distinction from the Naval War College with a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. She earned a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Troy State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from USCGA. Mrs. Thomas earned a NonProfit Executive Management Certificate from Georgetown University and her certificate as a non profit association executive (CAE).Cari's personal awards include the Distinguished Public Service award, Distinguished Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, the Department of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service, the Department of State Superior Honor Award, the Sea Services Leadership Association "North Star" award, and various other personal, unit and campaign awards.