Practitioner Advisory Board Spotlight: George Naccara, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired)
At the helm of the SENTRY Practitioner Advisory Board (PAB), George Naccara brings a wealth of experience and an enduring passion for security. His impressive background and dedication to our mission to protect soft targets and crowded places make him an integral part of SENTRY’s leadership team. Read on to learn more about George’s unique professional journey and his aspirations for the future of security operations.
George’s career is nothing short of extraordinary, marked by unique contributions that distinguish him as a trailblazer in the field. He graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and holds a Master of Arts degree in Business Management from Central Michigan University. His pursuit of academic excellence extended to Harvard University, where he was recognized as a National Security Fellow from 1990 to 1991.
He launched his career in the U.S. Coast Guard and had command at sea and ashore positions. He also developed all safety regulations for the whitewater rafting industry. The process involved taking to the waters of some of the most challenging rivers in the United States, including the Colorado, the Salmon, the New, and the Chattooga, which gained fame in the movie “Deliverance.” His hands-on approach to safety regulations has made a lasting impact on the industry, ensuring that rafters and adventurers can explore these waterways with confidence.
In an equally one-of-a-kind experience during his 37-year-long career with the U.S. Coast Guard, George spent a week as a personal aide to Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra for President Reagan’s second inaugural. He shared, “They attended different embassies in Washington nearly every night, including a president’s gala with multiple top-tier entertainers.” This behind-the-scenes role offered a fascinating glimpse into the world of entertainment and politics beyond the traditional confines of a military career.
His influence reached international heights while serving as Director of Information and Technology and the Chief Information Officer for the Coast Guard. In 1998, he addressed the United Nations General Assembly on the potential effects of the Y2K computer problem on the transportation system. His insights and proposed solutions developed at the International Maritime Organization in London contributed to global efforts to mitigate the potential disruptions to maritime operations, ultimately becoming an international standard.
One of the most impactful and solemn moments in his career was when he walked among the ruins of the World Trade Center within hours after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. With New York falling under his area of responsibility as U.S. Coast Guard District Commander, George was on the front lines during one of the most challenging moments in modern history.
His remarkable professional journey has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including three Distinguished Service Medals, the Legion of Merit, three Meritorious Service Medals, and many other personal and unit awards. He is also authorized to wear the Cutterman’s Device and the Marine Safety Insignia, emblematic of his dedication to safety and security.
After he retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2002, he took on the role of one of the first Federal Security Directors for the newly formed Transportation Security Administration in Massachusetts, followed by the position of Chief Security Officer for the Massachusetts Port Authority, where he continued to make strides in enhancing security and safety in the transportation sector until his retirement in 2019.
George assumed the position of Board Chair for the Practitioner Advisory Board (PAB) in 2021 when the SENTRY Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence launched. PAB members provide many valuable insights to the SENTRY team by identifying and focusing on important security issues through their participation in case studies, monthly meetings, and major SENTRY events.
George shares, “Our PAB team, consisting of both current and former security practitioners and leaders, contribute to SENTRY’s success by sharing their experiences with various technologies, and importantly, by offering their work environments as test sites for SENTRY researchers to deploy their innovations.”
As Board Chair, he most enjoys the opportunity to bring experienced professionals together to focus on meaningful, practical solutions that will truly enhance security. George’s wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors allows him to successfully drive discussion and focused engagement on innovation and safety in the security industry through his work with SENTRY, as we strive to protect soft targets and crowded places.
Beyond his professional endeavors, George is a dedicated family man. He is married to Linda Sowa, and together, they have two grown daughters and four grandchildren. Nearly every summer for the last decade, George has spent a week in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, with his family, enjoying the local attractions and eating delicious seafood.
