Jeff Hughes assumed the duties of Chief, Exercise Support Division in August 2009, a “Plank Owner” of the newly established Force Readiness Command.  The Division provides support and expertise in the design, development, conduct, evaluation, and after-action reporting for all-threats/all-hazards contingency exercises.  The Division operates out of three locations; Norfolk VA, Washington DC, and Alameda CA. 

Mr. Hughes is a 2015 graduate of the Department of Homeland Security SES Candidate Development Program and is U. S. Office of Personnel Management, Qualification Review Board Certified for appointment to the Senior Executive Service.  He is a 2010 Department of Homeland Security Senior Fellow.  He is a Master Exercise Practitioner and a Certified Emergency Manager by the International Association of Emergency Managers.

Prior to this assignment Mr. Hughes was the Chief, Exercise Support and Coordination Division and Deputy of the U. S. Coast Guard Office of Contingency Exercises (CG-535).  Mr. Hughes joined federal civilian service as a GS-15 following a 23 year career as an active duty officer in the U. S. Coast Guard.

He graduated from the U. S. Coast Guard Academy in 1985 with a Bachelors of Science in Government and was commissioned an Ensign in the U. S. Coast Guard.  In 2000 he was awarded a Master of Arts in National Security Strategy and Strategic Studies from the U. S. Naval War College.  In 2014 he completed the Key Executive Leadership Certificate Program at American University.

His final assignment on active duty was as a Strategic Planner, Operational Plans and Joint Force Development Directorate, the Joint Staff (J-7) in 2007.

Mr. Hughes served three tours afloat.  He was Operations Officer in USCGC ESCANABA (WMEC 907), Commanding Officer USCGC POINT KNOLL (WPB 82367) and Deck Watch Officer in USCGC UNIMAK (WHEC 379).  Shore assignments included the Chief, Contingency Plans and Exercises; Coast Guard Liaison to the Chief of Naval Operations; College of Naval Command and Staff, U. S. Naval War College; Chief, Cadet Training and Assessment Section, U. S. Coast Guard Academy; Coordinator of the Coast Guard Ship Control and Navigation Training Simulation Facility; and Command Center Duty Officer, Coast Guard Atlantic Area.

Mr. Hughes is a member of the Military Officers Association of America, the Association of Continuity Professionals, and the International Association of Emergency Managers.