Commander Rachel Lewis :: Senior Service Advisor for US Coast Guard Personnel

Commander Lewis currently serves as the Senior Service Advisor for Coast Guard Personnel at the National Intelligence University, located at the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, DC. CDR Lewis is the Monthly Executive Program Director and serves as a fulltime faculty instructor at the Intelligence Community’s sole accredited, federal degree-granting institution.

Aboard prior afloat commands, CDR Lewis served as the Executive Officer aboard the United States Coast Guard Cutter FORWARD, in Portsmouth, Virginia; as the Operations Officer aboard the only active square-rigged sailing ship in the United States, the Coast Guard Barque EAGLE in New London, Connecticut; and as a Deck Watch Officer aboard USCGC JARVIS in Honolulu, HI.

CDR Lewis has a diverse set of shore assignments to include Deputy Executive Assistant to the Assistant Commandant for Intelligence and Criminal Investigations (CG-2d EA) at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC; the Atlantic Area Intelligence Branch Chief (LANT-22) in Portsmouth, Virginia; and as an Instructor at the Officer Candidate School (OCS) in New London, Connecticut.

Originally from Portland, Oregon, CDR Lewis is a graduate from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Operations Research. Additionally, she holds a Masters degree in Homeland Security from American Military University and a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence from the National Defense Intelligence College (now known as the National Intelligence University).

CDR Lewis is an award recipient of the Women of Color (WOC) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Technology All-Star Award. CDR Lewis is a permanent Cutterman and her military awards and achievements include the Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and various other personal and unit awards.
She currently serves as the Regional Civilian Co-Chair for the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group (DAAG) which advises Senior Leadership on Aboriginal issues.  Additionally, Lisa is on the Board of Directors for the Institute of Internal Auditors.  This opportunity endeavors to provide professional development to enhance the skillset required as an internal auditor.

After earning a Commerce degree with distinction from the University of Victoria (UVic), she pursued specialties as a Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor.  Lisa was one of the first twelve inaugural Ch’nook Scholars with the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia.  Ch’nook Scholars honor and promote Aboriginal business professionals.

She mentored in the Len’onet program at UVic and has been a member of the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA).  As a recipient of the UVic Blue and Gold award, she was recognized for her work to improve life on campus and in the community.

On a perfect day, you would find Lisa, with her children, connecting with nature either scuba diving, snowboarding or canoeing.