Trusted Experience. Approachable Coaching.
Real Results.
I’m Jennifer Youngblood, founder of Jennifer Youngblood Coaching LLC. I’ve led high-performing teams through global crises, shifting priorities, and deep uncertainty. After more than 35 years at the CIA, I now bring that same focus, integrity, and resilience to my work as an executive coach and consultant.
I partner with clients who are navigating transitions, leading through complexity, seeking to deepen their leadership impact, or just searching for a Northstar. My coaching approach blends strategic insight with practical action—always grounded in empathy, purpose, real-world results, and just a little bit of laughter.
Whether you’re building an inclusive team, leading in uncertainty, or simply looking for a clearer path forward, I’m here to help.
Jennifer
Interested in a little more of my background?
I retired after 35 years with a proven track record of leading large-scale organizational change, building high-performing teams, and mentoring future leaders through complex challenges. I'm known as a decisive leader and strategic communicator who brings a people-first, inclusive approach to everyday challenges.
The moments in my career that hold the greatest reward for me are those times I coached employees through stress or distress, helped mid-level managers drive organizational transformation, and guided senior leaders to think differently about persistent problems. This passion for developing others is what drew me to executive coaching.
I earned BA and MBA degrees from Rice University and George Mason University, and will complete my board certification in coaching through Robbins-Madanes Training in Fall 2025. I also hold a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate from eCornell's School of Industrial and Labor Relations. I've been an advocate for others throughout my career and look forward to partnering with you on your journey.
In my spare time, you'll find me experimenting with recipes, at the gym or pilates studio, dabbling in the garden, or spending time with friends and family.
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Positions
Dean, Sherman Kent School, CIA's analytic schoolhouse
2022-2025
Managed hundreds of staff and contract instructors and instructional experts, delivering hundreds of in-person courses on analytic tradecraft, expertise-building, and leadership principles. Led innovative and accelerated change effort to update content, instruction, and speed to course delivery.
Director, Office of Global Issues, CIA
2019 — 2022
Led a global team of several hundred analysts covering economics, energy, health, humanitarian crises, technology, and strategic issues. Directed the office’s high-tempo response during COVID-19, balancing surging demand with workforce wellbeing. Recognized staff with a Meritorious Unit Citation for excellence in pandemic-related work. Drove a strategic reduction in mission scope and sustained morale and productivity through a major organizational restructuring.
Chief of Analysis, Counterintelligence Mission Center, CIA
2019 — 2022
Managed a high-performing team tackling sensitive counterintelligence issues. Helped define leadership roles during agency-wide modernization and led the team through cultural change and expanding mission scope. Produced impactful, high-stakes analysis requiring precision, discretion, and sound judgment.
Deputy Director, Office of Public Affairs, CIA
2010-2013
Advised three agency directors on external communications, public engagement, and media strategy during times of crisis and transition. Served as spokesperson and strategist on sensitive events, modernized communications processes, helped navigate the agency through public scrutiny and internal loss, wrote public and private speeches, and drove cultural change in the office.