Gerlinde Higginbotham has been a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary since 1996. Some of her past qualifications include Boat Crew and Instructor. She currently serves as the Director of the Training Directorate, leading a team of committed, volunteer professionals that include educators, media experts, writers and editors, course designers, and leadership experts. Some of the core projects are to provide the best training to our members, utilizing the latest techniques in multimedia, online delivery of materials, and online distance learning. Previously she has served in several roles in the Training Directorate over the past seven years, Deputy Director, Division Chief of Training Support and Branch Chief of Training Support. During her tenure in the Auxiliary, she has served in many roles in her District, Division and Flotilla. She has served as a District Diversity Officer for the past five years. One of her proudest accomplishments as a member of National Staff was being part of the team to develop the 2015 Basic Qualification Course.
Gerlinde is a Licensed Social Worker, with over 30 years of experience working with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Presently she works with a national organization, Summer Advantage USA as Program Manager of Afterschool Programming. She spent 13 years working with The Scotts Miracle-Gro Scholarship Program at the Center of Science & Industry in Columbus, Ohio. Before the Scotts Scholarship Program, she worked in the field of social advocacy, counseling in community and clinical settings. Her experience at counseling centers and community centers has allowed her to build a knowledge base of the academic and psycho-social needs of youth and adults which has helped her career in the Auxiliary.
Gerlinde holds a Master's degree from The Ohio State University, the John Glen College of Public Affairs, and a Bachelor of Social Work from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. She and her partner David enjoy visiting National Parks and Walt Disney whenever possible.