Our Leaders
Maureen Kallgren, President
President Maureen Kallgren Bio
Maureen Kallgren is employed by the Coast Guard Office of Navigation at Coast Guard Headquarters as a Lead Marine Transportation Specialist.
Maureen served as a licensed deck officer in the Merchant Marine upon graduation from Texas Maritime Academy in 1993. In 1996 she accepted a commission in the Coast Guard as a Marine Safety Officer. In 2001 after the birth of her first child she left active duty, affiliated with the Coast Guard Reserves and retired from the Reserves as a Captain on July 1, 2022, after 24 years of uniformed service.
Maureen returned to full time employment with the Coast Guard in 2016 as a civilian resource coordinator for Logistics Command. Gaining promotions and accepting new challenges as an inaugural member of Force Readiness Command’s Civilian Career Management Team in 2018. In January of 2022, Maureen was hired by Coast Guard Headquarters returning to her maritime roots. She currently serves as a marine planner and subject matter expert of offshore renewable energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf.
Living full time in Virginia Beach, Maureen commutes to D.C. on a regular basis for work at CGHQ. Her husband, Andy, retired from the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command in 2023 after 34 years of federal civilian service. They have two adult children, Anya and Peter, and two energetic dogs, Molly and Milly.
Christina Parsons, Vice President
Christina Parsons, Vice President
Christina Parsons, Vice President
Debra Owens, Treasurer
Christina Parsons, Vice President
Christina Parsons, Vice President
Debra currently serves as District 8’s Spectrum Manager with oversight of spectrum management assignments and issues for the largest geographic district in the Coast Guard. She has also participated with Federally Employed Women, Partners In Education, Leadership Diversity Advisory Council, Civilian Advisory Board and most recently became a USCG Diversity and Inclusion Change Agent.
Latoya Simms, Secretary
Christina Parsons, Vice President
Latoya Simms, Secretary
My name is Latoya Simms. Born and raised in Arlington, Va. Currently, I reside in Maryland, working as a Budget Analyst for 3 years at the United States Coast Guard, headquarters building in Washington, Dc. I work within Military Pay Team, CG-832, assisting the Parental Leave Program and handling the Long-Term Active Duty for Operation
My name is Latoya Simms. Born and raised in Arlington, Va. Currently, I reside in Maryland, working as a Budget Analyst for 3 years at the United States Coast Guard, headquarters building in Washington, Dc. I work within Military Pay Team, CG-832, assisting the Parental Leave Program and handling the Long-Term Active Duty for Operational Support (LT-ADOS) program. As far as my education I have a Master’s Degree in Project Management. I obtained a certificate in leadership. I received my Bachelor’s under Business Administration with a minor in Accounting.
I am extremely excited to serve as the Secretary for FEW. This is my second year as a member of FEW. Looking forward to another year and serving on the leadership team.
Past Presidents
Gail Jackson
Mary Cunningham
Mary Cunningham
July 2022-June 2024
Mary Cunningham
Mary Cunningham
Mary Cunningham
July 2020- June 2022
Mary Cunningham, Founding President
Message from the Founding President
Thank you to the Semper Paratus Chapter for allowing me to take the helm as your first Chapter President. It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to lead this outstanding organization. I want to make my time as President meaningful.
Through my many years of involvement with communities, charities, organization, and groups I look back at the good friends and great working relationships I have established. I have volunteered for and chaired multiple committees and I have a great appreciation for the collective wisdom of our members that will help guide us as we move forward.
During my tenure, I am looking forward to developing and supporting initiatives that inspire our members, encourage interdisciplinary relationships, and provide for continued growth and development that would benefit both our members and the organization. You are all key members that will help strengthen our chapter, knowledge, and understanding of the way forward as federally employed women and men. The future of this chapter lies in the development of our members, as well as keeping ourselves informed on the current opportunities.
Looking forward to connecting with you all at our monthly meetings, as well as obtaining valuable information on how to improve in FEW’s four major program areas: Compliance, Diversity, Legislative, and Training. I want to encourage all of you to become involved by sharing your ideas, knowledge, and skills by serving on the chapter committees.
I want to partner with other Affinity Groups that represent and advocate for innovative changes in our Coast Guard. Let us pledge to make the upcoming year one of record growth in membership and further opportunities for the training of our members. I look forward to leading us in this exciting, challenging time and ask you to come along with me to make the Semper Paratus Chapter “The Chapter of Choice”.
In closing, as your Chapter President I will do my best, but I will not do it alone. I want your voices to be heard. I will show commitment. I will show dedication. I will show leadership and lead by example. Semper Paratus, Always Ready.
V/r,
Mary Cunningham
Founding President
