Rear Admiral Jo-Ann Burdian assumed the duties as the Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Response Policy in May 2022. In this capacity, she is responsible for the development of strategic response doctrine and policy guidance for all Coast Guard forces. These policies encompass seven of the eleven operational maritime missions in the areas of law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime security, counterterrorism, defense operations, marine environmental response and emergency management and disaster response programs.
In Rear Admiral Burdian’s previous assignment, she served as Commander Coast Guard Sector Miami. She directed all Coast Guard missions along 182 miles of Florida coastline, including Port Miami, the Miami River, Port Everglades, and the Port of Palm Beach. She served as Captain of the Port, Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection, Federal Maritime Security Coordinator, Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator, and Federal on Scene Coordinator for the over 250,000 square miles that constitute the Sector Miami area of responsibility.
RDML Burdian is a Coast Guard Permanent Cutterman and Honorary Chief whose previous operational assignments include Chief of Response at Sector Puget Sound, Commanding Officer of USCGC KEY BISCAYNE in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Executive Officer, USCGC ATTU in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She began her career as First Lieutenant, onboard the USCGC COURAGEOUS, in Panama City, Florida. Additionally she served as Coast Guard Liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., where she managed all service engagements with Members of Congress, advised senior Coast Guard leaders on all matters related to the House of Representatives, and advocated for multi-billion dollar acquisition programs and advancing authorizing legislation. In addition, she served as the Senior Duty Officer in the White House Situation Room. Rear Admiral Burdian took advantage of the Coast Guard Temporary Separation program to care for her sons and drilled as a member of the Selected Reserve at Sector St. Petersburg, Florida.
Originally from Queens, New York, Rear Admiral Burdian is a 1997 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Government. She also holds a Masters in Public Administration from Florida State University. She has been awarded numerous personal, unit, campaign, and service awards. Her military awards include the Armed Forces Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Global War Terror Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal. She is married to Captain Stephen Burdian, USCG (ret.) of Briarcliff, New York. Together they have three handsome sons – Jack, Sean, and James.