USCG Veteran Kimberly Young-McLear, PhD: Negative and Positive Consequences of Being a Whistleblower

Having testified on Capital Hill about the gross misuse of power in how the Coast Guard handled bullying, harassment, and discrimination allegations, Coast Guard Veteran Kimberly Young-McLear, PhD talks about her work to help ensure that federal work environments are safe and inclusive for everyone.

Posted on BrainLine February 10, 2023. Reviewed February 10, 2023.

About the author: Kimberly Young-McLear, Ph.D.

Kimberly Young-McLear, Ph.D. served in the United States Coast Guard from 2003 to 2023. In 2014, Commander Young-McLear became a whistleblower when she reported gross and unlawful misconduct within the U.S. Coast Guard. Commander Young-McLear’s advocacy has resulted in more than 30 policy improvements across the Coast Guard making the Coast Guard better reflect of U.S. values and increasing compliance with anti-harassment and anti-discrimination laws.

Headshot of Kimberly Young-McLear in uniform