Rear Admiral Jo-Ann Burdian assumed the duties of Director, Joint Interagency Task Force South in June 2024. JIATF-S conducts detection and monitoring (D&M) operations to facilitate the interdiction of illicit trafficking in support of national and partner nation security. 

In Rear Admiral Burdian’s previous assignment, she served as the Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Response Policy, responsible for the development of strategic response doctrine and policy guidance for all Coast Guard forces. These policies
encompass eight of the eleven operational 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.

RADM Burdian is a Coast Guard Permanent Cutterman and Honorary Chief whose previous operational assignments include Commander Coast Guard Sector Miami, 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.