A native of Milwaukee, Sullivan graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1975, and later earned a master's degree in Communication Arts/Public Affairs from Cornell University.

He is also a graduate of Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government Senior Executive National and International Security Program.

Prior to that, he served as Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard LORAN station on the island of Saipan in the Western Pacific.

Other afloat tours include Deck Watch Officer aboard the Coast Guard Cutters MESQUITE and ACACIA in Sturgeon Bay, and Executive Officer aboard the Coast Guard Cutter PAPAW in Charleston, South Carolina.

[2] This article incorporates public domain material from Rear Admiral Timothy S. Sullivan (PDF).