The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families, and a partner of the National Coast Guard Museum Association, announced the appointment of Jerry Ostermiller as the president of the National Coast Guard Museum.
An accomplished museum administrator with over 25 years experience, Mr. Ostermiller will establish museum programming, develop internal infrastructure and lead capital campaign fund raising efforts for the construction of the country's newest national museum in New London, Connecticut. The United States Coast Guard is the only military service that does not currently have a national museum, which recounts the institution's history, service and missions. Mr. Ostermiller will oversee and execute the National Coast Guard Museum's objectives to educate visitors about the extensive contributions the Coast Guard has made to provide security and save lives, both in the United States and abroad.
"We are honored to have Jerry lead the National Coast Guard Museum, especially during the pinnacle of its development," said James Coleman, chairman of the National Coast Guard Museum Association board of directors. "Jerry has an impressive record of leadership that will be the necessary conduit to prepare the museum to open its doors. We look forward to partnering and supporting him in this impressive undertaking to honor the United States Coast Guard."
"Through the encouraging work of the National Coast Guard Museum Association, the Coast Guard Foundation, the City of New London and the State of Connecticut, we are within reach of our goal to establish a National Coast Guard Museum that will educate Americans about our nation's rich maritime heritage and the heroic history of the Coast Guard and its guardians," said ADM Thad W. Allen, commandant, United States Coast Guard. "The museum site passing its environmental assessment for construction, and Mr. Ostermiller's appointment as the museum's president are exciting developments. Mr. Ostermiller's experience and leadership are certain to achieve our vision of establishing a world-class institution, which will celebrate our servicemen's achievements."
Prior to joining the National Coast Guard museum, Mr. Ostermiller served for 19 years as president of the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, Oregon -- the first nationally accredited maritime museum on the West Coast entirely supported by private donations. Mr. Ostermiller's tenure included completing a $6,000,000 museum remodel. Before his position at the maritime museum, he was Historic Sites Administrator for the State of Idaho, and was also a member of the Idaho Historic Preservation Council and served as its president. Currently, Mr. Ostermiller serves two national organizations; he is a past president of the Council of American Maritime Museums, and a member of the board of the United States Lifesaving Service Heritage Association.
A decorated leader, Mr. Ostermiller has received the "Meritorious Public Service Medal" from the 13th District Commander of the Coast Guard, an "Outstanding Leadership Award" from the Foundation for Coast Guard History, the "Meritorious Service Medal" from the Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard and the "Distinguished Public Service Medal" from the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. He is a "Fellow of Maritime History" and served as a State Commissioner for the Oregon State Heritage Commission, the Governor's Oregon 150 Committee and is a voting member of the Selection Committee for the National Maritime Hall of Fame in Long Island, New York. Mr. Ostermiller earned an honors degree in social science and history from Boise State University, and completed his graduate studies in social anthropology and historical archeology at the University of Idaho.