Rear Admiral Joanna M. Nunan [USCG photograph]
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration right this moment introduced the appointment of Rear Admiral Joanna M. Nunan (U.S. Coast Guard, Ret.) as the subsequent superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, N.Y. She can be first lady to function the academy’s superintendent.
Nunan, who will start work on the academy in a couple of weeks, spent greater than three many years within the U.S. Coast Guard and has commanded models at each degree each afloat and ashore.
“Rear Admiral Nunan is uniquely prepared to lead and strengthen USMMA on every front,” mentioned Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. “She understands both the critical role USMMA plays in our economic and national security and the organizational transformations that are essential to ensuring USMMA prepares students in a safe and respectful environment to excel in a maritime industry undergoing rapid change.”
She retired earlier this 12 months because the Coast Guard’s Deputy for Personnel Readiness. In that position, she oversaw the Coast Guard’s complete personnel enterprise, together with the recruitment, coaching, assist, and retention of all lively obligation, reserve, and civilian personnel. She additionally supervised the Coast Guard Academy and served on its Board of Trustees.
Previously, Rear Admiral Nunan served because the Assistant Commandant for Human Resources. In that position, amongst her many tasks, she helped spearhead efforts to broaden range and inclusion within the Coast Guard, together with formulating coverage adjustments targeted on rising the retention of ladies within the service. She additionally served as a member of the Coast Guard’s Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, and Recovery Committee.
Earlier in her profession, she served because the Military Advisor to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and because the Military Assistant to Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. She additionally served greater than 9 years at sea—together with commanding two buoy tenders—and beforehand served because the Commander of the Ninth Coast Guard District and as Commander of Coast Guard Sector Honolulu.
A Bridgeport, Connecticut, native, Nunan graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 1987 and acquired her Master of Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic. She additionally obtained three Coast Guard service provider mariner licenses, together with Master of vessels of no more than 1,600 gross tons and Third Mate on vessels of limitless tonnage.
“Rear Admiral Joanna Nunan is the right leader at the right time for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy,” mentioned U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Her years of experience as a senior military leader—including command at sea—have prepared Rear Admiral Nunan to shape the future of the USMMA and help ensure the safety and success of its extraordinary midshipmen.”
