Greanoff Leaderhip Award to Alex Rico Upper Manhattan Flotilla
Alexander R . Rico has been named the recipient of the U . S . Coast Guard Auxiliary ’ s prestigious Commodore Charles S . Greanoff Inspirational Leadership Award for 2021 in recognition of his numerous contributions as flotilla commander of the First District – Southern Region ’ s Upper Manha�an unit .
Working through the restrictions of the COVID pandemic , Rico oversaw the implementation of a three-pronged flotilla strategy focused on recruitment , community relations , and adherence to the unit ’ s long tradition of community service . He instituted a successful unit recruiting drive that led to a 20 percent increase in flotilla membership and promoted extended community partnerships between the Auxiliary and several New York area historical sites and organizations .
“ I am humbled and grateful for this honor ,” Rico said . “ Receiving this award is an acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of the entire Upper
Manha�an flotilla . Without our membership ’ s commitment to the community , none of the work we accomplished would have been possible .”
A member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary since 2014 , Rico is immediate past commander of the Upper Manha�an Flotilla ; serves as District Staff Officer for emergency management ; and is Branch Chief – Web Content Manager for the Auxiliary ’ s national Public Affairs Directorate .
Rico , a native of New York City , currently works as an external affairs officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency ’ s ( FEMA ) Region II . As a FEMA staff member , he has responded to several major national disasters , including Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the U . S . Virgin Islands . Recently , he deployed to New Jersey as part of the federal government ’ s COVID-19 response effort .
He is a graduate of Muhlenberg College and is currently working toward a master ’ s degree in public administration at New York University ’ s Wagner School of Public Service .
The Greanoff Award recipient was selected by an eight-member panel of Coast Guard active duty , civilian and Auxiliary leaders . Joseph J . Espino of Severna Park , Md ., immediate past commander of the West Annapolis Flotilla ( District 5- SR ), received an honorable mention citation as runner-up in the Greanoff Award selection .
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