NACON 2008 Coast Guard Awards

Awards

Mr. POTTS is cited for outstanding achievement while serving as Chief, Boating Department from January 2007 to August 2008. Mr. POTTS expertly managed an extensive array of programs that required utmost diplomacy and cooperation with State governments, industry representatives, and boating safety organizations. Exercising keen corporate insight and superb initiative, he bolstered the Auxiliary’s relationships with BoatU.S., Soundings Magazine, West Marine, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Orion Inc. In doing so, Mr. POTTS ensured the continued valuable support of these key recreational boating safety partners. He expertly negotiated a $500,000 retail value opportunity with Soundings Magazine and a 10 percent discount program from West Marine in honor of the Auxiliary’s vessel safety check program’s 60th anniversary. Applying exceptional professionalism and technical skill, Mr. POTTS oversaw development and management of boating safety grant applications with BoatUS that resulted in the Auxiliary’s continued receipt of its highest level of grants among boating safety organizations. An ardent supporter of professional development programs, his deliberate focus on improved skill levels of the Auxiliary State Liaison Officer corps yielded greater interaction with State agencies and a remarkable 40 percent increase in legislative reporting. Mr. POTTS laudably motivated and managed departmental staff to effectively cover four Branch Chief vacancies without impact on other departmental responsibilities or obligations. Mr. POTTS’ dedication, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.