Vice Adm. Peter Gautier received the 2024 Meta-Leader of the Year award at Harvard University on Dec. 10 for his crisis management during the Key Bridge response.
Harvard’s National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (NPLI) singled out Gautier for spearheading the Coast Guard’s rapid actions, as well as his work behind the scenes coordinating with the White House, Congress, and local and federal agencies involved in the response.
“Vice Admiral Peter Gautier provided critical national leadership at crucible moments for the United States and for the Coast Guard,” said Leonard Marcus, NPLI’s founding co-director. “He consistently rose to the occasion, earning the confidence and trust of those inspired and moved to follow his lead.”
When the Francis Scott Key bridge collapsed in the early hours of March 26, six people plunged to their deaths, and Baltimore Harbor – a major East Coast port – was effectively shut down.
“During the Key Bridge response, Vice Adm. Gautier demonstrated just what Meta-Leadership is all about, leading all the way up to the President,” Marcus added. “The situational awareness and networking he accomplished served to hasten the reopening of the Port of Baltimore, far faster than many anticipated.”
Marcus further praised Gautier’s continuing efforts to identify port vulnerabilities, prevent future catastrophes, and ensure the integrity of the Marine Transportation System.
In his current role as Deputy Commandant for Operations, Gautier oversees strategy, policy, and requirements for Coast Guard missions ranging from intelligence, international affairs, cyber, prevention, response, and national defense.
Gautier, who attended the NPLI at Harvard residential executive education program in 2017-2018, said he was humbled by the recognition. “One of my most enduring takeaways from my connection with NPLI is how much leadership is providing space for other leaders to do their job,” he said. “Our many successes at the Coast Guard, particularly in crises like the Key Bridge incident, are due to field-level leadership, the rapid engagement of Coast Guard teams, the contribution of our co-leaders in a unified response.”
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