Rear Admiral Ryan assumed the duties as Military Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security in June 2013. Her primary responsibility is to provide counsel and support to the Secretary in affairs relating to the coordination and execution of policy and operations between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense.

Rear Admiral Ryan enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserves in 1982. She attained the rank of Boatswain's Mate Third Class before attending and graduating from Officer Candidate School in 1985.

Rear Admiral Ryan's shipboard assignments include Deck Watch Officer aboard Coast Guard Cutter GALLATIN (WHEC-721), Commanding Officer USCG Cutter CAPE MORGAN (WPB 95313), and Commanding Officer USCG Cutter NEAH BAY (WTGB 109).
Her operations ashore assignments include Sector Commander, Captain of the Port, Federal On Scene Coordinator (FOSC) and Federal Maritime Security Coordinator (FMSC), in North Carolina; Group Commander, Charleston, South Carolina; Deputy Group Commander, St. Petersburg, Florida; Deputy Sector Commander and Alternate Captain of the Port Charleston, South Carolina.

Rear Admiral Ryan's staff tours include assignment as the Senior Instructor, Maritime Law Enforcement School, three tours in Coast Guard Headquarters, and two tours in Coast Guard Pacific Area including her last assignment as the Pacific Area Chief of Staff. She also served as Military Aide to the President, only the third woman in U.S. history to do so.

She holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Bowling Green State University, and a Master of Arts degree in Adult Education from the University of South Florida.

Her personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legion of Merit, six Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medals, two Coast Guard Commendation Medals among others. She wears the Presidential Service Badge as well as the Boat Force Operations and Cutterman pin.

Rear Admiral Ryan, formerly June McIntee, is a native of Bettendorf, Iowa. She is married to CWO Timothy P. Ryan, USCG Retired, of Wayne, New Jersey. They reside in Fairfax, VA with their daughter.