About Jake

Jake Ferreira has long been committed to a career in public service, beginning with the completion of his undergraduate studies at Northeastern University in June of 2003. Following graduation, Jake received notice of his acceptance into the internationally lauded, United States Coast Guard Officer Candidate School (OCS) program. Graduating as an honor platoon member of OCS Class 1-04, Jake first reported for duty in the First Coast Guard District’s Operations, Planning, and Readiness branch in Boston, MA.

During his service career, Jake faced multiple assignments testing his strength of character and leadership. After reporting for duty in Boston, Jake was immediately assigned to supporting security operations for the 2004 Democratic National Convention. After only four months on the job, Jake was selected from a pool of elite junior officers to serve in the prominent role as Aide to the Commander, First Coast Guard District.

Jake’s new challenging assignment immediately brought him to New York City to serve alongside the First District Commander, helping execute the Admiral’s leadership of Coast Guard security operations for the 2004 Republican National Convention (RNC) in New York. It was a week of operations that physically and mentally tested the combined efforts of federal, state, and local authorities in a post-9/11 security environment and was perhaps the nation’s first real glimpse at the Coast Guard’s enhanced law enforcement capabilities utilized to protect the homeland.

On Day 1 of Operations, Jake joined a liaison group touring the NYPD Operations Center for the RNC along with former Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. After joining a tour of the Operations Center, Mayor Bloomberg tapped Jake on the shoulder and sternly stated, “Don’t screw up.” The week concluded without incident.

Rear Admiral David Pekoske, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, and ENS Jake Ferreira at the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation Luncheon in 2004

During his tour as Military Aide, Jake also had the opportunity to meet with and learn from senior leaders in industry and government, including Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Senator John Kerry (D-MA), former Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA), former Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey (D-MA), Mayor Thomas Menino (D-Boston, MA), Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Governor John Baldacci (D-ME), Governor Donald Carcieri (R-RI), Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI), Governor Jodi Rell (R-CT), Representative Peter King (R-NY), Representative Steve Israel (D-NY), Representative Timothy Bishop (D-NY), and Police Chief Raymond Kelly (New York City).

Former Prime Minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi and LTJG Ferreira at the 2006 Intrepid Foundation Salute To Freedom Dinner

Jake’s time in the Coast Guard also gave him in-depth exposure to issues important to Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties – particularly the challenges facing the fishing industry. Jake had the benefit of attending numerous New England Fishery Management Council meetings and met with representatives from the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, as well as talking with countless fishermen to help promote safety within the fishing community.

Jake’s work as a Military Aide took him to every U.S. Coast Guard unit in the New England, New York, and northern New Jersey, directly assisting the First Coast Guard District Commander oversee operations and personnel spanning 8 states and 2000 miles of coastline.

LTJG Ferreira (in orange) and Master Chief Jeff Amatrudo participating in Vertical Delivery training at Air Station Cape Cod

Jake completed his active duty commitment as the Logistics Officer and member of the command cadre for Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Boston. MSST Boston is a tactical law enforcement unit that is frequently deployed to various U.S. ports to set-up and maintain critical homeland security missions including the United Nations General Assembly, National Capital Region Air Defense Mission, and President of the United States (POTUS) Operations. He directly oversaw 17 personnel across the unit’s Engineering, Supply, Administration, Weapons, and Medical divisions. Jake currently serves in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves at Sector Southeastern New England in Woods Hole, MA. He was promoted to Lieutenant (O-3) in March, 2008.

Jim and Lois Ferreira

Jake credits his initial draw to the U.S. Coast Guard to growing up on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, his love of the ocean, and familial ties to military service. His also credits his family for his commitment to community and public service. His father, Jim Ferreira, was born on Martha’s Vineyard and has worked as a skilled electrician and leader with NSTAR on the Island for nearly 35 years. His mother, Lois Ferreira, has dedicated her professional life to caring for the Vineyard’s elderly as a Home Health Aide. Jake’s sister, Katie, recently completed her nursing degree and began her career as a Registered Nurse (RN). Jake also has the devoted love and support of Julia Buonopane, a high school English teacher and girlfriend of over 3 years.

Jake is a 1998 graduate of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School and graduated with honors from Northeastern University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. In 2006, Jake received a Masters Degree in Leadership with a concentration in Financial Services from Northeastern University. During his time as an undergraduate student at Northeastern, Jake expanded his educational experience by participating in NU’s highly competitive cooperative program. His prestigious assignments included internships with Independence Investments, Ascent Venture Partners, and Lucent Asset Management.

Jake is an outdoor enthusiast and avid runner, recently completing his 10th marathon. He is also an active volunteer and received the Heroes Award for his work with the Children’s Cancer Association, based in Portland, OR.

Jake recently partnered with a long-time friend and colleague to start up an agriculture business on Martha's Vineyard, aimed at empowering local families and communities to grow their own food. Prior to returning to the Vineyard, Jake also worked as a Business Analyst for a private equity software company serving numerous alternative investment clients in the United States and Europe.