ALCOAST 276/26 - SEP 2026 COAST GUARD MUTUAL ASSISATANCE (CGMA) ANNOUNCEMENT; OPENING A NEW CHAPTER IN ITS 102-YEAR HISTORY WITH A VOLUNTEER BOARD PRESIDENT

R 041614Z SEP 26  MID120041507921U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//VCG//
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 276/26
SSIC 5760
SUBJ: COAST GUARD MUTUAL ASSISATANCE (CGMA) ANNOUNCEMENT;
OPENING A NEW CHAPTER IN ITS 102-YEAR HISTORY WITH A
VOLUNTEER BOARD PRESIDENT
1. Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA), the official relief
society of the U.S. Coast Guard, announces a historic
milestone. For the first time in its 102-year history, CGMA
selected a volunteer Board President.
2. Following a competitive selection process involving several
highly qualified applicants, the CGMA Board of Directors has
selected RDML Christopher J. Hulser, Commander of Operational
Logistics Command, to serve as CGMA's first volunteer
Board President.
3. Recent Grants and Assistance.
    a. In 2025, CGMA provided more than $12 million in grants
and interest-free loans to more than 4,000 members of the Coast
Guard community, ensuring short-term financial challenges do not
become long-term hardships.
    b. During the 2025 and 2026 government shutdowns, CGMA delivered
more than $3.6 million in assistance to over 1,400 Civilian
Employees affected by lapses in pay, demonstrating its ability to
rapidly support the Coast Guard workforce during times of
extraordinary need.
4. Milestones.
    a. Earlier this year, the CGMA Board of Directors amended the
organization's bylaws to establish a volunteer Board President,
replacing the historical ex officio model.
    b. The position carries a minimum two-year term with the option
for one-year extensions. This move will strengthen leadership
continuity and oversight of one of the Coast Guard's most important
workforce support organizations.
5. ADM Tom G. Allan, Vice Commandant (VCG), sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.