KEVIN J. EDES
Singapore
Summary
Strategic leader and diplomat with 19 years of experience as a U.S. Coast Guard Officer, specializing in global security, crisis management, and international operations. Proven expertise in Asia-Pacific security includes building effective international partnerships, delivering expert advisory services, and leading cross-functional teams to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure business continuity. Eager to leverage extensive background in the private sector to manage and mitigate complex geopolitical risks, driving organizational resilience and strategic growth.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Coast Guard Attaché & Strategic Advisor
U.S. Embassy Singapore
Singapore
08.2024 - Current
- Provided critical regional analysis and strategic recommendations to U.S. ambassador and senior government leaders to shape U.S. force posture and policy in Southeast Asia.
- Developed and maintained strategic partnerships with military and government entities to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation efforts.
- Acted as liaison officer at the information fusion center, coordinating efforts with regional navies, coast guards, and maritime industry to improve maritime security and shared domain awareness.
- Initiated and developed cooperative initiatives with Singapore government organizations, strengthening ties with key departments including the Ministry of Defence and Maritime and Port Authority.
- Facilitated cross-agency partnerships to effectively manage geopolitical challenges and crises, safeguarding supply chain integrity and critical maritime routes.
Non-Resident Fellow
Stanford University
10.2023 - 08.2024
- Published commentary and analysis on critical maritime security issues in the South China Sea for Stanford University's Gordian Knot Center.
- Analyzed and articulated complex geopolitical issues, creating narratives that engage and inform a worldwide audience.
- Performed comprehensive research and analytical work to support publication credibility, leading to recognition by major outlets including Newsweek, The Manila Times, and The Indo-Pacific Defense Forum.
Chief of Emergency Management
U.S. Coast Guard
San Diego, CA
06.2021 - 07.2023
- Directed all-hazard planning and response to protect critical infrastructure in the Port of San Diego, and ensure business continuity for a portfolio of assets and commerce valued at $12 billion.
- Provided direct supervisory leadership for a 12-person team and led cross-functional response efforts involving more than 200 personnel during major events, including oil spills, tsunamis, and typhoons.
- Partnered across industry, local, and federal agencies to design and execute a comprehensive readiness and training program, which included 27 multi-agency exercises.
- Commanded personnel, aircraft, and vessels during search and rescue operations, resulting in the rescue of 245 people and $860,000 in property.
Senior Advisor & Program Manager
U.S. Coast Guard
Washington, DC
07.2018 - 06.2021
- Spearheaded diplomatic and negotiation initiatives to enhance U.S. Coast Guard-Saudi cooperation, culminating in a three-year, $52 million agreement for security assistance, advisory services, and procurement.
- Directed a team of 30 personnel across three countries, overseeing strategic direction, assessing milestones, and managing project finances for a portfolio of over $110 million in security cooperation programs.
- Provided expert advisory services on critical security issues—including port security, maritime law enforcement, and crisis management—to improve regional stability across the United Kingdom, Middle East, Central, and South Asia.
Command Center Chief
U.S. Coast Guard
Honolulu, HI
06.2014 - 07.2017
- Managed a 35-person operations center, coordinating search and rescue, maritime security, and law enforcement missions across a vast 1.4 million square-mile jurisdiction.
- Executed high-stakes operations that resulted in 350 lives saved and the protection of over $46 million in property, directly contributing to regional maritime safety and commerce.
- Facilitated bilateral cooperation with key Asia-Pacific nations through strategic international engagements focused on search and rescue and fisheries enforcement.
- Mentored junior officers to enhance their skills and leadership capabilities, leading to a nomination for the Captain John G. Witherspoon Inspirational Leadership Award.
Education
Master of Advanced Studies - International Affairs
University of California
San Diego, CA06.2018
Master of Arts - Defense and Strategic Studies
U.S. Naval War College
Newport, RI06.2017
Fellow - Comprehensive Crisis Management
Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies
Honolulu, HI07.2015
Bachelor of Science - Government
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
New London, CT05.2007
Skills
- Strategic Leadership: Crisis Management, Operational Planning, Team Leadership, Business Continuity Planning, Policy Development
- Risk & Security Management: Geopolitical Analysis, Threat Intelligence, Interagency Coordination, Supply Chain Security, Maritime Domain Awareness
- Global Engagement: Diplomacy, International Relations, Security Cooperation, Stakeholder Management, Public-Private Partnerships
- Project Management and Budget Oversight ($110M)
- Certifications: Type III Incident Commander, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Top Secret Security Clearance (Active)
Timeline
Coast Guard Attaché & Strategic Advisor
U.S. Embassy Singapore
08.2024 - Current
Non-Resident Fellow
Stanford University
10.2023 - 08.2024
Chief of Emergency Management
U.S. Coast Guard
06.2021 - 07.2023
Senior Advisor & Program Manager
U.S. Coast Guard
07.2018 - 06.2021
Command Center Chief
U.S. Coast Guard
06.2014 - 07.2017
Master of Arts - Defense and Strategic Studies
U.S. Naval War College
Fellow - Comprehensive Crisis Management
Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies
Bachelor of Science - Government
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
Master of Advanced Studies - International Affairs
University of California