In this episode of Corps Conversations, LCDR Katie Williams '12 joins hosts 1/c Kevin Pandorf and Tara King Clark to share how she found her place in the Coast Guard's prevention community, why self-advocacy became one of the most important leadership skills in her career, and how pursuing opportunities outside the traditional path led to some of the most rewarding experiences of her service.

From choosing prevention over the cutter fleet, to navigating dual-military family challenges, to serving as a technical advisor on the investigation into the Titan submersible tragedy, Katie's story demonstrates that successful careers rarely follow a straight line.

Along the way, she reflects on balancing leadership and family, building trust with teams, the importance of emotional intelligence, and why young officers should never be afraid to ask for what they want.

Whether you're a cadet deciding on your first assignment, a young alum navigating career pivots, or someone balancing professional ambitions with personal priorities, Katie offers a powerful reminder: there is no single blueprint for success.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why prevention may be the Coast Guard's "best-kept secret"
• How self-advocacy shaped Katie's career and family decisions
• Lessons learned from dual-military marriage and raising a family while serving
• What the Titan submersible investigation taught her about leadership and decision-making
  • View Katie in the Discovery Channel’s documentary about the USCG investigation, Implosion: The Titanic Sub Disaster.
• Why emotional intelligence may be the most important leadership skill of all
• How to build trust, navigate career pivots, and create your own definition of success

Alumni Impact Interlude

In this episode's Alumni Impact Interlude, Tara King Clark speaks with 1/c Ellis McLaughlin about the growing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) program at the Coast Guard Academy. Ellis discusses how Alumni Association-supported drone assets—including the donated Skydio X2D and Red Cat FPV platforms—are helping cadets gain operational experience with emerging technologies that are already transforming Coast Guard missions, from search and rescue to port security and maritime response.

Support this Podcast

• Stay connected by becoming a member of the USCGA Alumni Association at www.cgaalumni.org/1887
• Make a donation at www.cgaalumni.org/1887gift

Photo Credit: Players look on as a drone delivers the coin toss coin to midfield during pre-game ceremonies ahead of the 2025 Secretaries' Cup between the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts on Saturday, November 15, 2025. (Photo by Sarah Boeke/Boston Red Sox)

Keywords: Coast Guard Academy, Coast Guard prevention, marine inspections, leadership, self-advocacy, career development, career pivots, dual military marriage, work-life balance, emotional intelligence, women in the Coast Guard, marine safety, Titan submersible investigation, engineering, mentorship, networking, Coast Guard careers, family leadership, professional growth, drone program, unmanned aerial systems, USCG Academy alumni, Corps Conversations podcast.

Leadership isn't always about being the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes it's about listening first, building trust, and creating space for others to succeed.

In this episode of Corps Conversations, 1/c Cadet Carl DiGiorgio and Tara King Clark sit down with Dr. Elaine Fitzgerald Lewis '97. Growing up in a Coast Guard family in New London, Elaine's connection to the Academy began long before her Reporting In Day. From serving as a cutterman and international training officer to helping establish the Academy's first marketing department, she shares how each experience strengthened her leadership philosophy and taught her the importance of finding her voice.

Elaine reflects on navigating male-dominated environments, the mentors who helped shape her journey, and the power of representation and belonging. She also discusses her transition from military service to public health, where she now leads the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition, impacting millions of children and families across the Commonwealth.

Throughout the conversation, Elaine offers thoughtful insights on relationship building, self-advocacy, managing through uncertainty, and why listening remains one of the most important leadership skills. Her story is a reminder that the strongest leaders are often those who empower others to be seen, heard, and valued.

Closing out the episode Tara King Clark sits down with 1/c Alli Dela Vega, President of the International Cadet Council, where they discuss how international cadets contribute to the Corps through cultural exchange, global partnerships, and what he describes as "human interoperability." He also shares the impact of donor support that helps international cadets welcome family members to graduation and celebrate one of the most important milestones of their Academy experience.

Support this Podcast

• Stay connected by becoming a member of the USCGA Alumni Association at www.cgaalumni.org/1887
• Make a donation at www.cgaalumni.org/1887gift

Keywords

Leadership Development, Relationship Building, Finding Your Voice, Coast Guard Academy, USCGA Alumni, Public Service, Women in Leadership, Mentorship, Trust and Communication, Team Building, Military Leadership, Veteran Transition, Public Health Leadership, Maternal and Child Health, Community Impact, Diversity and Inclusion, Self-Advocacy, Service Before Self, Filipino American Leadership, Leadership Through Service

1/c Cadet Aislinn Murray and Tara King Clark sit down with Colleen Denny ’09 to explore a career defined by service, adaptability, and a commitment to helping others. From leading migrant interdiction missions at sea and serving as a Pacific Area Admiral’s Aide to supporting humanitarian efforts in Kenya and responding to the war in Ukraine through her work with Spirit of America, Colleen shares the experiences that shaped her leadership philosophy and sense of purpose.

The conversation explores humanitarian service, decision-making under pressure, mental health, mentorship, and the many ways Coast Guard values can be applied beyond traditional career paths. Colleen also reflects on being one of the few women serving underway and the importance of continuing to create opportunities for future generations.

In the Alumni Impact Interlude, Tara King Clark speaks with 2/c Max Eisenbeiser about the Cadet Cyber Team's national success and how alumni support helps provide training, travel opportunities, and competitive experiences that prepare cadets for future leadership in cybersecurity.

Support this Podcast

• Stay connected by becoming a member of the USCGA Alumni Association at www.cgaalumni.org/1887
• Make a donation at www.cgaalumni.org/1887gift

Keywords

Coast Guard Academy, USCGA Alumni, Coast Guard leadership, leadership development, humanitarian service, public service, service before self, purpose-driven leadership, Spirit of America, Ukraine humanitarian aid, international development, nonprofit leadership, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, migrant interdiction, women in leadership, mental health leadership, Cadet Cyber Team, and cybersecurity education

First Class Cadet Elijah Parent ’26 and LCDR Nick Martin ’12 sit down with Commander Craig Johnson ’09, commanding officer of Station New York and former Coast Guard Academy basketball standout. Together, they explore leadership, growth, accountability, and what it means to be a “late bloomer” in both life and service.

Commander Johnson reflects candidly on his non-linear career path—from the Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin to Deployable Specialized Forces, Coast Guard Headquarters, Harvard Kennedy School, the White House, and ultimately command in one of the Coast Guard’s busiest operational environments. Throughout the conversation, he shares lessons on resilience, self-development, mentorship, networking, and the importance of becoming “a dog that can hunt”—someone trusted to solve problems, lead teams, and navigate ambiguity.

The episode also dives into themes that resonate deeply with cadet life today, including failure as a pathway to growth, the realities of leadership and accountability, and how sports and team dynamics shape effective leaders. Johnson’s reflections on investing in personal development, earning credibility through action, and leading from the front offer a thoughtful perspective for cadets, alumni, and Coast Guard leaders alike.

In the Alumni Impact Interlude, Third Class Cadets Katelyn Harvey and Tyler Kenney share how they worked alongside the USCGA Alumni Association to launch a new golf cart transportation program designed to assist injured cadets navigating the Academy’s challenging terrain. Inspired by their own experiences recovering from injuries, the pair describe how persistence, collaboration, and alumni support helped turn an idea into a real resource now actively improving daily life for cadets across campus.

Support this Podcast

• Stay connected by becoming a member of the USCGA Alumni Association at www.cgaalumni.org/1887
• Make a donation at www.cgaalumni.org/1887gift

Keywords

Leadership, Growth, Coast Guard, Teamwork, Personal Development, Late Bloomer, Military Career, Education, Problem Solving, Mentorship Coast Guard leadership, teamwork, networking, military leadership, career development, trust building, operational excellence

Editor’s Note: This episode was republished after additional audio editing to try to address sound quality issues present in the original version. It's still not perfect, but a bit better!

Released on the day of their graduation from the United States Coast Guard Academy May 20, 2026, this special bonus episode of Corps Conversations captures a unique moment of transition for the cadet hosts as they prepare to commission and report to their first assignments across the fleet.

Recorded shortly after Billet Night, First Class Cadets Aislinn Murray, Kevin Pandorf, Carl DiGiorgio, and Elijah Parent reflect on receiving their orders and the excitement surrounding what comes next—from afloat assignments in Key West and California to new opportunities in Deployable Specialized Forces and Coast Guard finance. Their candid conversation offers an authentic look at the anticipation, uncertainty, and pride that define the final days before commissioning.

The episode also explores the mentors who shaped each cadet’s Academy journey. Through stories about officers, professors, coaches, advisors, and family members, the hosts discuss leadership, accountability, personal growth, and the importance of investing in others. Together, their reflections highlight the relationships and lessons that helped prepare them for service beyond the Academy gates.

As these four cadets become Coast Guard officers, this conversation serves as both a celebration of their time at the Academy and a look ahead to the next chapter of leadership and service.

Support this Podcast

Make a gift during the All Class Challenge, May 19-21, 2026 at www.cgaalumni.org/ACC26

In this episode, Stephanie Young ’07 shares her diverse career journey from the Coast Guard to Meta, highlighting leadership, innovation, and navigating uncharted territory. A unique aspect of Stephanie Young’s career is that she was first to fill each role she’s had within both the Coast Guard and at META.

Join co-hosts Cadet First-Class Carl DiGiorgio and Tara King Clark, the Alumni Association’s VP of Comms & Marketing, for an conversation that covers leadership and influence in high-stakes environments, embracing ambiguity, building for the future in both military and civilian sectors, and tips for the career transition from military to civilian sector.

This episode’s Alumni Impact Interlude features 2/c Eben Castleman, the Drum Major of the Cadet Pipe & Drum Band – a new musical group that has quickly become one of the most visible on campus.

Support this Podcast

• Stay connected by becoming a member of the USCGA Alumni Association at www.cgaalumni.org/1887
• Make a donation at www.cgaalumni.org/1887gift

Keywords

Coast Guard, leadership, innovation, social media, career transition, influence, ambiguity, building for the future

Trigger Warning: We want to acknowledge that this conversation includes discussion of sensitive topics, including grief, traumatic loss, serious injury, organ donation, and suicide. We encourage you to take a pause or skip ahead if needed. These topics begin around the 37-minute mark and run through minute 58.

In this episode of Corps Conversations, Commander Jeannie Greene ’05 shares her journey from a small town in Colorado to becoming a leader in the Coast Guard with co-hosts 1/c Aislinn Murray ’26 and LCDR Nick Martin ’12. She discusses her experiences at the Coast Guard Academy and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. Commander Green emphasizes the importance of mentorship, personal growth, and the unique challenges faced by women in the military. She also reflects on her decision to pursue grad school and the transition to civil engineering units, highlighting the value of teamwork and the diverse roles within the Coast Guard.

CDR Greene also shares her journey through the Coast Guard, highlighting her experiences at sea, in civil engineering, the challenges of transitioning to an executive officer role, and the impact of personal tragedy on her leadership. She emphasizes the importance of support systems, the healing power of service, and the lessons learned from her career and personal life. The discussion also touches on the significance of vulnerability and seeking help in difficult times, making it clear that it's okay to not be okay.

This episode’s Alumni Impact Interlude features 1/c Aislinn Murray, found of the Cadets for Living Mindfully (CALM) Club. She shares the origin of the club's founding and how it was instrumental in the creation of the Wellness Room space in Chase Hall, funded by the Classes of 1984, 2004 and Lockheed Martin.

If you or someone you know may need support, please consider reaching out to a trusted resource or professional.

Links

Coast Guard Crisis Support Landing Page

Learn more about the Wellness Room, supported by the Classes of 1984, 2004, and Lockheed Martin, and CALM:

www.cgaalumni.org/CALM

Support this podcast and stay connected by becoming a member of the USCGA Alumni Association at www.cgaalumni.org/1887

Or make a donation to support this podcast at www.cgaalumni.org/1887gift

Keywords

Coast Guard, leadership, Commander Jeannie Green, nautical science, civil engineering, military academy, career journey, personal growth, mentorship, grad school, Coast Guard, leadership, civil engineering, family, transition, mental health, executive officer, service, tragedy, healing

Meet the team behind the first podcast produced by the USCGA Alumni Association.