Former Board and Advisory Board Members
Owen Siler, Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, Ret.
Admiral Owen W. Siler’s was a guiding force in the creation and development of the NMLEA, and sat as the Academy's first Board Chairman. His leadership in this role mirrored his 35-year career in the United States Coast Guard, where he was successful in meeting the organization's expanding missions by redirecting resources, improving techniques and making maximum use of personnel and equipment. Overall, the Siler era in the Coast Guard was represented by change and expansion, of challenge and growth, marked by active accomplishment. To see a complete history of Admiral Siler and his contributions to the academy, click here.
Paul J. Pluta, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Ret.
Rear Admiral Paul J. Pluta was the Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection of the United States Coast Guard. He served as the Commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District and Commander of Maritime Defense Command Eight in New Orleans. In 1996, he achieved flag rank and was appointed Director of the Office of Intelligence and Security for the Department of Transportation. Prior to that, he served as Chief of Staff, Ninth Coast Guard District in Cleveland, OH.
RADM Pluta is a 1967 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and holds an M.S.E. degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan. He has received four Legion of Merit awards, the Meritorious Service medal and two Coast Guard Commendation Medals.
James J. Carey, Rear Admiral. U.S. Navy Ret.
Mr. Carey became President and Chief Operating Officer of the Chicago Offset Printing Corporation in 1972. In 1975, he founded Coordinated Graphics, Inc., where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer. On a parallel course, he began a consulting practice in international marketing and technology transfer with several business colleagues, focusing on high technology systems and training for the Middle East and Europe. In 1978, Mr. Carey sold his graphic arts business to concentrate on his growing involvement in American politics and the international business and defense community. In 1979, he affiliated with the Chicago firm of Telemedia, Inc., a major international military training and technology transfer corporation, as an International Business Manager.
Mr. Carey served Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush as a Commissioner and Vice Chairman of the U. S. Federal Maritime Commission. In 1991, Chairman Carey became Chairman of the Board of Chicago-based International Financial Resources, Ltd. [IFR], an international financial banking and joint venture firm with associate offices in several nations around the world.
Parallel to his international business and government careers, Chairman Carey spent thirty-three years serving in the United States Navy and Naval Reserve, holding seven separate commands in various amphibious, surface warfare, and Pentagon assignments and retired at the rank of Rear Admiral. From 1989 to 1992, he commanded Readiness Command Region SIX headquartered in the Washington Navy Yard, the largest Navy Readiness Command in the nation.
Mr. Carey is also the Founder and Co-Chairman of “THE FLAG & GENERAL OFFICERS’ NETWORK”, and served as an elected member of the Board of Directors of the Navy Mutual Aid Association [NMAA] and the Board of Governors of the National Association of Uniformed Services [NAUS].
Michael E. Rawley
Michael E. Rawley – Education includes AA from Northwest Indian College, Bellingham Washington, Public Administration; BA from Western Washington University, Bellingham Washington, Business Administration; Adv Certificate, American Institute of Banking.
Mike has specialized in Native Entrepreneurship Development and the establishment of a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) to enable native business people access to start-up and expansion capital. He is also a commercial fisherman and fishing vessel owner.
Mike Rawley is Chairman and Treasurer of the 13th Regional Corporation (ANC), CEO of the National Tribal Development Association (NTDA), member of the Western Coalition of Alaska Natives, member of the Alaska Federation of Natives, and member of the Advisory Board for the Ho’oulu Lahui Hawaiian Charter School. He is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran.