Mary Kate Watts Hughes

Mary Kate Watts Hughes, MBA, has extensive experience in strategic planning and communication within the U.S. Coast Guard, currently serving as Chief of the Office of Strategic Planning and Communication in the Acquisition Directorate. In this role, Mary Kate leads the strategic planning and knowledge management efforts, manages performance measurements, and oversees the revision of the four-year strategic plan. Previous roles within the U.S. Coast Guard include Management and Program Analyst, focusing on the annual R&D portfolio, and positions at Imagine-One Technology & Management that involved leading project teams and providing strategic consulting. Early career experience includes communication and HR roles at Entergy. Mary Kate holds a BA in Spanish from Vanderbilt University and an MBA with a focus on Marketing and International Business from Millsaps College.