Sunday Read: Getting to Know Hampton Dellinger.
We are exactly one month away from National Whistleblower Day, which is observed annually on July 30. National Whistleblower Center (NWC) will again, in 2024, host a live event celebrating the day’s 11th anniversary in Washington D.C. The day will feature experts, legislators, and whistleblowers with incredibly fascinating updates and insights.
One of the NWC allies who will have a presence at the Center’s event on Capitol Hill will be Hampton Dellinger, the new Special Counsel at the U.S. Office of Special Counsel. Dellinger, who was confirmed by the Senate in February, has long been a champion for whistleblower causes.
In this Sunday Read, we’ll discuss the significance of Dellinger’s philosophy on whistleblower law and his presence at National Whistleblower Day.
Meet Special Counsel to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger
In February 2024, Hampton Dellinger of North Carolina was confirmed by the Senate as Special Counsel to head the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC). Dellinger previously served in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as an Assistant Attorney General overseeing the Office of Legal Policy.
The OSC is an independent agency that protects federal employees from prohibited personnel practices, including whistleblower retaliation. The watchdog agency also investigates whistleblower disclosures about wrongdoing in federal agencies.
Dellinger’s confirmation was lauded by the NWC, as he has been a champion for whistleblowers and their rights for much of his career. Dellinger has deep experience representing whistleblowers and other clients challenging government activities in both government and private practice. He is a former Deputy Attorney General in the North Carolina Department of Justice and served as Chief Legal Counsel in the Office of the North Carolina Governor. There, he investigated Medicaid fraud and governmental corruption.
Knowing that the new leader of the OSC has shared values of the NWC is positive in and of itself, and perhaps marks the start of a new chapter in efforts to strengthen the rights and protections of whistleblowers.
Setting Goals with ‘Real Teeth’ in Government
On May 28, 2024, Dellinger sent a letter urging leaders of the House and Senate to pass legislation permanently designating July 30th as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.
“By dedicating a day to these brave public servants,” Dellinger wrote, “we not only honor the contributions of current whistleblowers, but we show potential whistleblowers that their sacrifices will not go unnoticed or unappreciated. And we make clear that retaliation against a whistleblower will not be tolerated. What better way to demonstrate to the world that the United States government is a model employer — one not afraid to uncover waste, fraud, and abuse from within — than to permanently recognize the contributions of these courageous civil servants each year.”
Perhaps more importantly, Dellinger pledged his office’s commitment to whistleblowers.
“OSC will begin requiring all agencies participating in our 5 U.S.C. 2302(c) Certification Program to promote NWAD as part of their annual re‐certification,” he added. “OSC’s 2302(c) Certification Program helps agencies comply with their congressionally mandated responsibility to inform employees of their whistleblower rights and protections and to make that information available on agency websites.”
NWC Co-Founder Stephen M. Kohn recently referred to the OSC’s letter as “extremely significant.”
“The OSC’s letter is extremely significant,” Kohn recently told Whistleblower Network News. “Since 2013 the Senate Whistleblower Caucus, led by Senators [Chuck] Grassley and [Ron] Wyden, has urged all federal agencies to take firm steps to acknowledge the importance of the Founder’s actions supporting whistleblowers. The OSC is putting real teeth behind the Senate’s resolutions, and showing leadership on this issue.”
Looking to National Whistleblower Day
Dellinger will maintain his momentum in the fight for whistleblowers’ rights on July 30th when he speaks at the NWC’s National Whistleblower Day celebration.
“NWC is so eager to welcome the Special Counsel to speak at our National Whistleblower Appreciation Day event. It is so meaningful that recognizing whistleblowers is such a priority for Mr. Dellinger.” Said, Siri Turner, Executive Director at National Whistleblower Center. “
With Special Counsel Dellinger’s leadership, NWC has high hopes for the continued legacy of engagement with whistleblower advocates at the Office of Special Counsel.”
Additional speakers at this year’s event include longtime whistleblower advocates, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). More speakers, including whistleblowers, advocates and other government officials, will be announced soon.
Prior speakers have included household names like Theranos whistleblower Erika Cheung, and former Enron vice president Sherron Watkins, who, in recognition for coming forward, was named one of three of Time’s “Persons of the Year” in 2002. The event has also been highlighted by appearances from government officials like SEC Chair Gary Gensler and former Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh.
National Whistleblower Day is the ideal forum to connect with fellow whistleblower advocates while enjoying a luncheon on Capitol Hill. Mark your calendar for July 30th and for more information on National Whistleblower Day (including how to attend) visit: https://whistleblowersblog.org/nwd/
NWC’s Brewhaha for Whistleblowers, Lawyers and Experts
On July 15th, NWC will host a Bar Trivia fundraiser to celebrate U.S. independence!
The fun begins at 6 PM EST at Sudhouse DC (1340 U Street NW). Broaden your network and put your knowledge to work. Everyone will enjoy happy hour-priced food and drink, invaluable networking opportunities and the winners will go home with gift cards, books, and other fun prizes.
Get your tickets on Eventbrite today.
Support NWC
NWC fights to bolster whistleblower programs and raise awareness about the value of whistleblowers. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit our work is made possible with the support of our generous donors. Please consider donating $100 today to help us continue to educate the public about whistleblower experiences and the role whistleblowers play in putting an end to fraud and money laundering. Donors of $100 or more will receive a copy of Rules for Whistleblowers: A Handbook for Doing What’s Right.
