With historic appointment, women will lead both Maritime Administration and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy for the first time in History

KINGS POINT, New York - On Thursday, December 8, 2022, Rear Admiral Joanna M. Nunan, US Coast Guard (Ret.) will be sworn in as the 14th superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). The Maritime Administrator, Rear Admiral Ann Phillips, US Navy (Ret.) will preside over the installation.

The appointment of Rear Admiral Nunan marks the beginning of an historic era at USMMA and the Maritime Administration (MARAD). For the first time in history, the leaders of MARAD and USMMA will be women. In addition, the newly appointed Regimental Commander, Elizabeth O’Neill —the most senior Midshipman —is a woman.

Rear Admiral Nunan spent more than three decades in the U.S. Coast Guard and has commanded units at multiple levels both afloat and ashore.  Admiral Nunan retired from the Coast Guard in 2022 as the Deputy Commandant for Personnel Readiness.

WHEN: December 8, 2022, 1 p.m. EST

This event is by invitation only. You may watch by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/ql5sgKURi5s