Coast Guard Foundation Adds New Members to Board of Trustees
Published: Thursday, February 22, 2024 12:00 pm
Stonington, Conn. – The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the Coast Guard community and supporting its members and families, has welcomed five new trustees to its board this year.
With these additions, the board now comprises 75 active trustees and directors. David Houghton, Lindsay Malen-Habib, Kyra Philips, Rear Admiral J. Timothy Riker, USCGR (Ret.), and Amy Vanderhaden will each serve three-year terms. Thomas A. Allegretti serves as the Chairman of the board.
The Coast Guard Foundation operates under the guidance of a voluntary Board of Trustees and Directors, composed of individuals who generously contribute their valuable time and energy to the Foundation’s cause. Additionally, the Board actively advances the Foundation’s mission of public support for the Coast Guard.
“Our Board of Trustees and Directors are accomplished individuals that play a vital role in our mission and this year we are proud to add five exemplary individuals to the team,” Susan Ludwig, President of Coast Guard Foundation said. “Each has demonstrated a deep commitment to the brave men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard. We are confident that they will be a great benefit to the Foundation and the entire Coast Guard community.”
David Houghton: As a seasoned business executive, he boasts over three decades of experience in guiding teams and implementing technology solutions across diverse industries. Over the last 12 years, he has served in top technology leadership roles, including a seven-year tenure as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Ingram Barge Company in Nashville, Tennessee. He also contributes to the tech community as a board member of the Nashville Technology Council and previously chaired the Board of Directors at Our Savior Lutheran Church. He is a graduate of the University of Texas. 
Lindsay Malen-Habib: As the Director of Customer Relations Management at McAllister Towing & Transportation, headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, she brings extensive experience to her role. Notably, Malen-Habib served as the first female president of the American Salvage Association and currently holds a position on their executive board. Recognized for her contributions, she was honored as one of the Top Women in Maritime by Marine Log in 2020. Actively involved in various industry associations, she is a member of the Women in International Shipping and Trade Association (WISTA), the Young Shipping Professionals of New York (YSPNY), and the Connecticut Maritime Association. Additionally, Malen-Habib dedicates her time to the Coast Guard Foundation’s Florida and New York event committees, playing a pivotal role in fundraising efforts for the organization. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont.
Kyra Phillips: Based in Washington, D.C., Philips serves as a correspondent for ABC News and an anchor for ABC News Live. Before her job at ABC News, she held prominent roles at CNN, anchoring programs such as “Live From,” “CNN Newsroom,” and “American Morning,” while also contributing as a correspondent for CNN’s investigative and documentary units. In 2012, Philips transitioned to HLN to anchor “Raising America with Kyra Phillips.” Her stellar journalism career has been recognized with numerous awards, including Peabody Awards, Emmy Awards, and Edward R. Murrow Awards for investigative reporting. Additionally, she actively contributes to philanthropic endeavors, serving as a trustee of The Fisher House Foundation and on the Board of Tragedy Assistance program for Survivors (TAPS). Phillips was honored with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award in 2013 and currently serves as a Global Ambassador for the organization. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Southern California and is married to fellow journalist John Roberts, parents of twins.
Rear Admiral J. Timothy Riker, USCGR (Ret.): In 1970, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was later commissioned through Officer Candidate School in 1971. Throughout his career, he served on active duty and in the reserves, with notable assignments aboard Cutters Hamilton and Unimak, as well as overseas duties during Operations Desert Storm and Uphold Democracy in Haiti. Retiring as the Reserve’s senior officer in 2000, he returned to active status in 2006, undertaking various flag assignments, including Deputy Director of Intelligence and Criminal Investigations, and Director of Response Policy. After transitioning to inactive status in 2010, he currently serves as the Regents Board Chair of the Foundation for Coast Guard History. A graduate of Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio, Rear Admiral Riker practices law in Cincinnati.
Amy Vanderhaden: With three decades dedicated to military advocacy and supporting military families, Vanderhaden's commitment is evident. Serving as Ombudsman-at-Large for the U.S. Coast Guard from 2018 to 2022, a position appointed by the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, she acted as a vital link for over 50,000 military families, reserve members, and civilian employees. Her exceptional service in this role earned her the Distinguished Public Service Medal in 2022. Vanderhaden holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Homeland Security from Purdue University Global and is herself a Coast Guard veteran. She is married to Jason Vanderhaden, the retired 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.
To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation or to help support its work, please visit coastguardfoundation.org.
About The Coast Guard Foundation
The Coast Guard Foundation is committed to ensuring all Coast Guard members and families have the resources they need to build resilience throughout their lives. Founded in 1969, they are a vital partner to the Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes and strengthening the entire community. Coast Guard members sacrifice so much to protect our nation. They must stand together and show them our appreciation so they can remain always ready. Join us at coastguardfoundation.org.
