Greg Hitchen is the Director of Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) New York. Leading the VTS team since 2015, he oversees the safe and efficient movement of maritime traffic throughout the Port of New York and New Jersey, as well as the Hudson River as far north as Albany. Prior to joining the VTS, Greg served 26 years on active duty with the U.S. Coast Guard, retiring as Deputy Commander of Coast Guard Sector New York. He also served ten years at sea, commanding two Coast Guard ships. He graduated the U. S. Coast Guard Academy with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and earned a Master of Marine Affairs degree from the University of Rhode Island. Greg has been an active member of the Port of New York and New Jersey’s Harbor Safety Committee since 2007 and is a member of the recently formed Hudson River Safety Committee.