News Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the White House announced the appointment of Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Holly Harrison as one of 13 outstanding men and women to serve as White House Fellows.  The White House Fellows come from diverse backgrounds, varied professions and all of the 2010-2011 Fellows have shown a strong commitment to public service and leadership.  

“This year’s White House Fellows are comprised of some of the best and brightest leaders in our country,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “I applaud their unyielding commitment to public service and dedication to serving their community.”

The White House Fellows Program was created in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to give promising American leaders “first hand, high-level experience with the workings of the Federal government, and to increase their sense of participation in national affairs.”  This unique position in our nation’s government encourages active citizenship and service to the nation.  The Fellows also take part in an education program designed to broaden their knowledge of leadership, policy formulation, military operations, and current affairs.  Community service is another important component of the program, and Fellows participate in service projects throughout the year in the Washington, D.C. area.

Selection as a White House Fellow is highly competitive and based on a record of remarkable early career professional achievement, evidence of leadership potential, a proven commitment to public service, and the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute successfully at the highest levels of the Federal government. Throughout its history, the program has fostered leaders in many fields including leaders in government, business, media, medicine, diplomacy and the military.  Additional information about the White House Fellows program is available at www.WhiteHouse.gov/fellows.

Holly Harrison is a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Coast Guard.  She is the first woman to command a Coast Guard vessel during combat operations and became the first Coast Guard woman to receive the Bronze Star medal for her service at the outset of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Her 15 years of military service include over eight years of sea duty around the world, second in command of the Coast Guard’s Maritime Law Enforcement Academy, and service on the Commandant’s personal staff.  In the Office of Budget and Program Review, she reviews policy and builds, justifies, and defends the Coast Guard’s budget for programs representing $2.7 billion of operating base funding.  A volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for over 10 years, Harrison currently works with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue in Fairfax, Virginia, and has received numerous awards for her service, including firefighter and volunteer of the year.  Her publications include articles in Naval Institute’s Proceedings and Navy League’s Seapower magazines and an opening chapter of the book “Women at War.”  

Harrison is a 1995 Coast Guard Academy graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Government.  She also earned a Master of Public Policy degree from Princeton University and Master of Educational Technology Leadership, Summa Cum Laude, from The George Washington University.