Rear Admiral Dean is the Director of Governmental and Public Affairs for the Coast Guard, where she is responsible for external engagement with Congress, the media and other inter-governmental entities. In her prior assignment, she served as the Chief of Staff of the Coast Guard Thirteenth District headquartered in Seattle, directing more than 2,000 men and women responsible for executing Coast Guard missions within the Pacific Northwest, including the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.
In previous tours, Rear Admiral Dean served as Commander Coast Guard Sector Miami where she was responsible for directing all Coast Guard operations within Southeast Florida. Prior to reporting to Sector Miami, she completed the National Security Fellowship at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Rear Admiral Dean’s Coast Guard career has encompassed numerous operational tours. She began her Coast Guard career as First Lieutenant, Coast Guard Cutter VIGOROUS, in Cape May, NJ. She served as Executive Officer of Coast Guard Cutter CONIFER, in San Pedro, CA, Executive Officer of Coast Guard Cutter WILLOW, in Newport, RI, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Cutter WALNUT, in Honolulu, HI, and Deputy Commander Coast Guard Sector Baltimore. Staff assignments include Duty Officer in the Seventh Coast Guard District Command Center, Aide to the Commander U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area and Military Assistant to the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Rear Admiral Dean is a 1993 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy. She holds a Master of Public Administration from The George Washington University. Her personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal and Coast Guard Achievement Medal.