Born October 21, 1942 in Rockwood, Tennessee, Mr. Hand grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and in Birmingham, Alabama.

Mr. Hand joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2000 and became Department Chief of the Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Department in 2004.  He served as DVC-MO and Deputy Department Chief prior to being appointed department Chief.

Mr. Hand was actively involved in the completion of the Trident Training Program and in getting the programs out to the Auxiliary membership.

Mr. Hand completed his studies in Engineering at the University of Maryland in 1962 and in Business Administration at the University of Alabama in 1973.  Mr. Hand also studied Architectural design at the Harvard School of Design.

Mr. Hand is a registered Architect in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.  He was the owner and managing partner in the regional Architectural and Engineering firm of Charles H. McCauley Associates, Hand and Freeman Architects in Birmingham, AL from 1977 until retirement in 1998. 

Mr. Hand has completed training in Administrative Procedures, Auxiliary Leadership & Management, Course Design and Chart Updating.  He holds qualifications as Coxswain, Instructor, Vessel Examiner, Marine Dealer Visitor, Commercial Fishing Vessel Examiner (CFVE) and Auxiliary Operational Member (AUXOP). 

Mr. Hand has held all elected offices through Division Vice-Captain.  He has held appointed offices of Diversity Advisor for Flotilla 17 of 8CR, and Flotilla, Division and Assistant District Staff Officer for Marine Safety. 

Mr. Hand’s Auxiliary awards include Auxiliary Commendation Awards(2), Sustained Auxiliary Service Award (15000 hours), Coast Guard Unit Commendations (with “O” device) , and Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation (2). 

Mr. Hand is married to the former Clara Armstrong of Haleyville, Alabama.