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Golden West Humanitarian Foundation Welcomes
COL Larry Cousins as New CEO

Golden West Humanitarian Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of COL (Retiring) Larry Cousins as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2025, succeeding Allan Vosburgh, who will remain an active member of Golden West’s Board of Directors and senior advisor to the Swim for Life Vietnam program. As a decorated U.S. Army officer with nearly three decades of service, COL Cousins brings unparalleled leadership and expertise to advance the Foundation’s mission of saving lives through innovation in global humanitarian mine action.

COL Cousins, who was raised in a military family, joins Golden West following a distinguished military career that began in 1995 when he was commissioned into the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Corps. Over the years, he has served in pivotal roles at every operational level, including command assignments and strategic postings at the Pentagon. A graduate of the Naval School for Explosive Ordnance Disposal, COL Cousins’ career highlights include deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, where he worked extensively in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), counter-IED operations, and munitions management.

Golden West’s outgoing CEO, Allan Vosburgh, who has led the Foundation since 2016, expressed his enthusiasm for this leadership transition. “Larry’s depth of experience and passion for humanitarian mine action make him the ideal candidate to guide Golden West into its next chapter,” said Vosburgh. “I am confident he will further the Foundation’s legacy of innovation and life-saving impact.”

Reflecting on his decision to join the Foundation, COL Cousins shared: “I was first introduced to the critical work being done by organizations like Golden West when I worked with the Department of Defense Humanitarian Mine Action program. I was immediately drawn to the mission and deeply impressed by the passion and dedication of its team members. This is an opportunity to continue serving by contributing to a cause that truly saves lives.”

Throughout his military career, COL Cousins has witnessed the devastating impact of conflict and the inspiring efforts of those committed to mitigating its aftermath. “What motivates me most,” he noted, “is knowing that there are individuals around the world who dedicate their lives to cleaning up the explosive remnants of war. Their commitment inspires me to lead this organization with the same sense of purpose and dedication.

“We’re entering our twenty-seventh year with renewed energy and focus,” said Mr. Vosburgh. “With Larry at the helm, we are confident in our ability to tackle evolving challenges in humanitarian mine action and strengthen our global impact.”

Golden West looks forward to leveraging COL Cousins’ vast operational knowledge and leadership experience as it continues to innovate and expand its global programs. His practical expertise in EOD and munitions safety, combined with his strategic vision, promises to steer the Foundation toward even greater achievements in the years ahead. The Golden West team are all excited about an even brighter future, saving lives though innovation.