Tracy Riley
Executive Director, Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
Commander, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired)
In this episode, host Amy Atkinson sits down with retired Coast Guard Commander Tracy Riley to explore her remarkable leadership journey—from unexpectedly joining the Coast Guard to leading search and rescue operations, mentoring future officers, and ultimately returning to Grand Haven to lead one of the nation’s most celebrated Coast Guard traditions.
Commander Tracy Riley, USCG (Ret.), serves as Executive Director of the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival following a distinguished 28-year career in the United States Coast Guard. Beginning as an enlisted member in 1982, Tracy rose through the ranks to command Coast Guard stations, lead regional operations, and mentor future officers at Officer Candidate School.
Throughout her career, she served in assignments across the country, including search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental response, personnel leadership at Coast Guard Headquarters, and Group Commander in Grand Haven. Along the way, she became known for her people-first leadership style, commitment to mentorship, and belief that great leaders explain the “why” behind every mission.
After retiring from military service, Tracy eventually returned to Grand Haven—the community she knew would one day become home. Today, she leads one of Michigan’s most beloved traditions, preserving more than a century of Coast Guard history while honoring the men and women who continue to serve our nation.
