ALCOAST 213/17 - JUL 2017 2017 CAPTAIN EDWARD R. WILLIAMS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DIVERSITY RECIPIENT

R 121258 JUL 17
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-12//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N01640//
ALCOAST 213/17
COMDTNOTE 1640
SUBJ:  2017 CAPTAIN EDWARD R. WILLIAMS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN DIVERSITY RECIPIENT
1. The Captain Edward R. Williams Award for Excellence in Diversity was established
to recognize a Coast Guard Officer or Chief Warrant Officer (active or reserve) who
have been most supportive of initiatives to achieve, value and manage diversity in
the Coast Guard.
2. I am pleased to announce that LT Harold Piper, currently assigned to Surface Forces
Logistics Center in Baltimore, Maryland has been selected as the recipient of the 2017
Captain Edward R. Williams Award for Excellence in Diversity. The award will be
presented on 27 July 2017 during the National Naval Officers Association's Annual
Leadership, Professional Development and Training Symposium in San Diego, CA.
3. LT Piper is a professional engineer and currently serves as the Asset Management
Section Chief in the Small Boat Product Line. LT Piper is a sought-after mentor and
leader who demonstrates strong commitment towards Coast Guard diversity initiatives,
such as retention and recruitment of women and minorities. As the Partnership in
Education (PIE) coordinator for all Baltimore area Coast Guard units, he volunteered
3,000 hours to develop and positively influence local community youth.
His dedication and vision led to Baltimore area Coast Guard units receiving the
2016 PIE Unit-of-the-Year for best collaborative partnership. He created mentorship
programs at four local high schools with large minority populations and directly
impacted 100 high school students, providing them with positive role models and
encouragement to succeed. At one high school, he implemented a student internship
program that will provide students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience
and exposure to Coast Guard missions and career opportunities. LT Piper served as a
guest lecturer at the Maritime Industries Academy and provided valuable financial
guidance and improved student's financial management skills. As a member of the Coast
Guard Academy Minority Outreach Team, LT Piper mentored several minority students
through the application process, which resulted in three receiving appointments to the
Academy. He also coordinated a Students of All Races (SOAR) event on base, which
provided prospective students and parents his perspective on the Academy and Coast
Guard career opportunities. He represented Coast Guard in several local college fairs,
speaking to 300 students and parents. As a strong advocate of women's equality,
LT Piper is an active participant in the Coast Guard Baltimore's Women's Leadership
Group. He also coordinated the first Coast Guard participation in the University of
Maryland's Women in Engineering annual conference. Through this event, he provided
insight into Coast Guard career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math (STEM) to over 1,000 students.
4. I extend my hearty congratulations to all of the nominees for 2017 Captain
Edward R. Williams Award for Excellence in Diversity. Each nominee demonstrated
leadership and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in building the
21st Century Coast Guard workforce:
    A. CDR Michael Russell
    B. LT Min Kim
    C. LT Joshua Tucker
    D. ENS Ginger Pena
5. POC is LCDR Julie Rodriguez, COMDT (CG-12B), at Julie.L.Rodriguez@uscg.mil or
(202) 475-5316.
6. Mr. Curtis B. Odom, Director of Civilian Human Resources, Diversity, and
Leadership, sends.
7. Internet release authorized.