Executive Director | American Harp Society; Adjunct Instructor of Harp | Wesleyan University & Connecticut College

Megan Sesma served as Principal Harpist of the United States Coast Guard Band from 2003–2026, becoming the first enlisted harpist in the band's history and representing both the United States Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security. Originally from Waterloo, Iowa, she began her harp studies in a public-school harp program and attended the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada. An international performer, Ms. Sesma has appeared throughout the United States and abroad, with performances in Mexico, Guatemala, Argentina, Russia, Ireland, Guadeloupe, France, Taiwan, and Japan.

Ms. Sesma holds a Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Rochester, and a Master of Music in Harp Performance from New York University. She also earned a Certificate in Executive Women's Leadership from Yale University, a Nonprofit Management Certificate from the University of Connecticut School of Public Policy, and an MBA in Arts Innovation from the Global Leaders Institute in 2023. She serves as adjunct harp faculty at the University of Connecticut, Connecticut College, and Wesleyan University.

Ms. Sesma was awarded the 2023 Chevalier de Saint-Georges Medal of Honor for outstanding musical achievement, representation of diversity in classical music, and dedication to the memory of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, under the auspices of the Guadeloupe Regional Council and its President, Ary Chalus. She is also the recipient of the 2022 United States Coast Guard Hallie Gregory Respect Award and the 2013 Latina Style Meritorious Service Award for the Coast Guard, an honor presented annually to one active-duty female member of the service.

A dedicated advocate for leadership, education, and organizational excellence, Ms. Sesma is a Coast Guard Academy SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) facilitator and, as the former Coast Guard Band Education Chief, led the annual School Concert Series serving approximately 7,000 students each year. She served as Chair of the United States Coast Guard Academy Leadership Diversity Advisory Council (2020–2023), Co-Chair of the Superintendent's Equity Advisory Council (2022–2023), and a member of the Academy's Senior Leadership Team (2020–2023), championing initiatives that foster positive organizational culture, leadership development, and workplace climate.

Beginning October 1, 2026, Ms. Sesma will serve as Executive Director of the American Harp Society.