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Stamford, Conn. – November 20, 2024 – Americares, the health-focused relief and development organization, is pleased to announce the election of former Transportation Security Administration leader and retired U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger to its Board of Directors. Neffenger, who will serve a three-year term, brings to the board a wealth of experience in global logistics and supply chain experience, national security, crisis leadership and organizational transformation, having held senior roles in both the public and private sectors.
“Peter is an exceptional leader with a remarkable track record that will not only enrich our board but also strengthen our mission,” said Americares President and CEO Christine Squires. “His dedication to public service, leadership expertise and experience navigating complex challenges will help us better serve people affected by poverty or disaster around the world. We are excited to welcome him to our board as we work together to expand our impact.”
The Americares Board of Directors oversees all aspects of the organization’s life-changing health programs, including its disaster response work and support for 4,000 under-resourced hospitals and health clinics worldwide.
In 2015, Neffenger was appointed by President Barack Obama to lead the Transportation Security Administration, a role he held until January 2017. During his tenure he was credited with vastly improving security technology and effectiveness and led a major transformation of the TSA, earning recognition as one of Business Travel News’ 25 Most Influential Business Travel Executives of 2016. Of note, Neffenger’s distinguished 34-year career with the United States Coast Guard culminated in his appointment as the 29th vice commandant, the service’s second-highest position. He also played a pivotal role as the deputy national incident commander during the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the largest and most complex maritime environmental disaster in U.S. history.
Currently, Neffenger is the president of Neffenger Consulting, LLC, an independent consulting firm that he founded. He also serves on several corporate, nonprofit and advisory boards. He is a distinguished senior fellow with the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard University, which equips individuals with the skills needed to lead effectively during times of crisis and change.
“I am honored to join the amazing and dedicated Americares team and privileged to have the opportunity to be part of their critically important health care and disaster relief missions,” said Neffenger.
A leader in the humanitarian sector, Americares is No. 9 on Forbes 2023 list of Top 100 Charities and a four-star rated charity—the highest possible—by Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. Americares helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; increase accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability of medicine and medical supplies; improve and expand health services; and prevent disease and promote good health.
Neffenger earned a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University, a master’s in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a master’s in business management from Central Michigan University. At the same time, he holds a bachelor’s degree from Baldwin Wallace University, which also awarded him an honorary Doctor of Public Service. He also serves as a member of the Baldwin Wallace University Board of Trustees. He is a two-time recipient of the Department of Homeland Security’s Distinguished Service Medal, among many other military and civic honors.
He lives in the Washington, D.C. area.