Directorate Leadership
The staff of the Vessel Examinations & Partner Visitation (V) Directorate is made up of experienced leaders in the Coast Guard Auxiliary's recreational boating safety (RBS) and outreach programs. Sharing decades of experience, the V-Directorate staff helps bring the Auxiliary's RBS programs to life in immediate services and strategic planning.
Director
Tom Niles is a 28-year veteran of the Auxiliary. He most recently served as Deputy Director of the V-Directorate. He has served in a variety of elected and appointed leadership roles including Division Commander and national Division Chief for incentives and vessel examinations. Tom is qualified as a vessel examiner, program visitor, instructor and boat crewman. He also holds the RBS Device.
He served his country for 34 years in the Department of Defense as both a civilian and military member, retiring in 2018 as a Colonel in the
Army Reserve, and in 2021 as a Business Executive for one of the Combat Support Agencies of the DoD.
Deputy Director
Mark Crary joined the Auxiliary in 2011. He is a certified Vessel Examiner, Program Visitor, and recipient of the RBS Device and AUXOP Pin. He has also received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Mark has been a member of the National Staff since 2017, and he currently serves also as District Directorate Chief for Prevention in District 7.
Mark is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant with over 22 years of combined service in the Navy, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. He lives in Orlando, Florida where he is employed as a supervisor with the Department of Homeland Security.
Division Chief — Communications
Zacary E. Wilson-Fetrow joined the Auxiliary in 2014. As communications chief, Zacary is a certified Public Affairs Specialist 3 (AUXPA3), Musician 2 (AUXMU2) and AUXOP. He also earned the RBS Device. Zacary has served as webmaster at flotilla, division and national levels, with seven years in the RBS Outreach (B) Directorate.
Zacary graduated from the Auxiliary University Programs (AUP). He also holds a JD from the University of New Mexico School of Law. Zacary is in private practice as an attorney in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Division Chief — Vessel Examinations
Craig Brown joined the Auxiliary in 1998. He is a certified Vessel Examiner and Instructor in both the Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons, as well as an Auxiliary Program Visitor. He has held many elected and appointed positions at the District, Division, and Flotilla levels.
Craig is an engineer with over 36 years’ experience in the aircraft industry.
Division Chief — Incentives
Robert Hamming joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2016. He is qualified as boat crew, vessel examiner and public educator. He is also a qualified interpreter in Dutch with the Coast Guard. Robert has previously served as Flotilla Commander, a publications officer and national branch chief for vessel examiner awards.
Robert graduated from California State University at Long Beach with a biological science major, emphasizing in marine biology and ecology. He previously worked in canning and pressure packaging until 2006.
Division Chief — Visitation Programs
Neil C. Slawson is a division chief and serves as Deputy Director of Administrative Investigations in the O-Directorate. He has achieved the AUXOP Device and is qualified as a vessel examiner and instructor. Neil is the Flotilla Commander of the San Jose, California Flotilla where he also works in flotilla and division public affairs roles.
Neil’s primary employment is in law enforcement with San Bernardino County and the City of Santa Clara. His secondary employment is as an Off-Ice Official with the National Hockey League.
Division Chief — Special Projects
William Jefferson joined the Auxiliary in 2016 and was appointed the Division Chief for RBS Outreach Special Programs in 2021. He administers the AUXLWO program in 20 states nationwide. He is a Trident recipient, Coxswain, Aids to Navigation Verifier, and UPV Examiner. Bill serves as a District Directorate Chief and was formerly a Flotilla Commander and Division Staff Officer for Marine Safety.
Bill is a retired commercial construction executive and geologist, and holds a Merchant Mariner Masters Credential.
Division Chief — Safety Programs
Murray Price joined the Auxiliary in 2011. During his time,
Murray has qualified in boat crew and earned the Operations Excellence Ribbon. He
serves as a vessel examiner where he has been awarded the Recreational Boating
Safety Device. For the 2025 to 2026 term, he was selected as Chief of Staff for
District 7.
Murray also works with the Coast Guard as a watchstander at U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez, approaching 3,000 hours of service, and a member of the Communications Unit at Sector St. Petersburg.
