CGA Team
Paul Thomas,
Senior Advisor
Paul Thomas is a distinguished executive leader with decades of experience shaping national security and operational excellence at the highest levels of government. A former Vice Admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard and its former Chief Security Officer, Paul brings unparalleled expertise in cybersecurity strategy, risk management, operational logistics, and regulatory policy.
Over his career, Paul led the transformation of complex, multi-billion-dollar support systems, including oversight of the Coast Guard’s largest acquisition and shipbuilding initiative in history, featuring the first polar-capable icebreaker in over 50 years. As Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, he directed enterprise-wide human capital, technology, logistics, and acquisition programs, ensuring agility and resilience across a $10B annual budget.
Paul also served as Chief Human Capital Officer during the COVID-19 pandemic, integrating HR and readiness systems and pioneering workforce safety protocols. His strategic foresight and talent modernization efforts led to a 50% increase in accessions during a nationwide talent shortage.
Known for crisis-tested leadership, Paul has directed emergency operations during major national disasters, including Hurricane Harvey, and served as a regulatory authority on maritime safety and environmental stewardship. He chaired the U.S. Committee on Marine Transportation Systems and advised on global security and prevention policy.
Paul holds a Master’s degree from MIT in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and is a National Security Fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School. His proven ability to align operational strategy with risk and regulatory priorities makes him a trusted advisor to clients navigating high-stakes challenges in security, technology, and organizational transformation.