Lt. Cmdr. Andrea Psimer Named Coast Guard 2024 Vander Putten Inspirational Student of the Year

Recently named the Coast Guard 2024 Vander Putten Inspirational Student of the Year, Psimer exemplifies service, scholarship and strength. She is a model of leadership who transformed every challenge into a stepping stone for others to follow.

From her post in Washington, D.C. at the Office of Cutter Forces, where she supports 243 cutters and over 8,000 crew members, to her graduate coursework in Embry‑Riddle’s Master of Science in Leadership, Psimer continues to redefine what it means to serve with distinction.

Earning the Coast Guard’s Highest Student Honor

The Vander Putten Inspirational Student of the Year award honors students who embody the Coast Guard’s core values, including honor, respect and devotion to duty, while excelling in academics and motivating others through their example. Psimer was selected in recognition of her exceptional performance with military duties, academics and community involvement, all while balancing her military leadership role, parenting and completing a two-year master’s degree in just nine months, with a 4.0 GPA.

According to the Coast Guard, “She addressed a longstanding organizational gap at [Coast Guard Headquarters] CGHQ, improving leadership and personnel practices. She also contributed to leadership initiatives at [Office of Cutter Forces] CG‐751 and within her community. Her resilience and dedication exemplify Coast Guard leadership.”

A Scholar and a Leader

At Embry‑Riddle, Psimer distinguished herself as an exceptional student whose professional experience elevated classroom discussions.

“She engaged deeply with the course material, contributing innovative ideas and applying the leadership and management principles learned in class to her role with the Coast Guard,” said Dr. Stephanie Douglas, associate professor at Embry‑Riddle. “Andrea was consistently an inspiration to her peers in the classes by advancing course discussions and learning with her examples and synthesis of research and experience.”

Her academic journey was more than a personal milestone; it was a platform for mentoring and empowering others. Her determination to succeed encouraged fellow Coast Guardsmen to pursue their own educational goals. She also helped guide petty officers through the tuition assistance process. 

Bringing Change to the Military

Throughout her Coast Guard career, Psimer demonstrated her ability to lead systemic change. CDR Philip S. Baxa described how she applied evidence-based human resource and leadership strategies to address organizational challenges, noting, “She adroitly diagnosed a chronic organizational gap, developed and communicated courses of action for the Assistant Commandant of Capability, and led an embraced change that corrected a longstanding structural shortcoming.”

Her graduate studies at Embry‑Riddle deepened her understanding of organizational change, emotional intelligence and leading upward — insights she immediately applied to optimize team performance and strengthen operations.

Leading From the Deck to the Boardroom

A veteran afloat officer and permanent cutterman, Psimer’s career has spanned missions from disaster relief after Hurricane Maria to interagency narcotics interdictions. Ashore, she’s led personnel operations across 27 locations worldwide, supporting the Coast Guard’s workforce at its largest shore command.

Before commissioning in 2009, Psimer worked as a newspaper photojournalist and a 911 emergency dispatcher — careers rooted in service and communication that helped shape her distinctive leadership voice.

Today, she continues that legacy in Annapolis, Maryland, where she lives with her 10-year-old son Everett, several foster animals and an unwavering commitment to leadership that lifts others.

A Vision for What’s Next

As for what lies ahead, Psimer is just getting started. “My life’s purpose is rooted in service — leading with compassion, advocating for those without a voice, and helping others realize their full potential,” she shared.

A lifelong believer in the powerful bond between people and animals, Psimer plans to continue her advocacy for animal welfare while also nurturing the next generation of leaders, beginning with her young son. “It’s important to me that he grows up with a heart of gold and the confidence to define his own leadership style.”

Completing her master’s degree at age 42 was more than an academic achievement— it was a transformational experience. “It reignited my passion for learning,” she said. With unwavering support from professors who unanimously encouraged her to continue her academic journey, Psimer is inspired to pursue a Ph.D., driven by a deep desire to expand her capacity for service, scholarship and lasting impact.

Her story is a reminder that leadership isn’t just about command — it’s about courage, care and commitment to something larger than oneself.

At Embry‑Riddle, we’re proud to support leaders like Lt. Cmdr. Andrea Psimer as they shape the future of service and set new standards for excellence.

Learn more about the Master of Science in Leadership at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University and how it empowers service members to lead with vision and integrity.