Board Member
Peter Neffenger, former Transportation Security Administration leader and retired U.S. Coast Guard vice admiral, joined the Americares board in 2024.
Mr. Neffenger brings to the board a wealth of knowledge in global logistics and supply chain experience, national security, crisis leadership and organizational transformation. He is the president of Neffenger Consulting, LLC, an independent consulting firm that he founded.
In 2015, Mr. 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. He also had a distinguished 34-year career with the United States Coast Guard, leading to 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.
Beyond his work with Americares, Mr. Neffenger also serves on several corporate, nonprofit and advisory boards and is a member of the Baldwin Wallace University Board of Trustees. Mr. Neffenger is also 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. He is a two-time recipient of the Department of Homeland Security’s Distinguished Service Medal.
He earned a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University, a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a master’s in business management from Central Michigan University. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Baldwin Wallace University.