W. Willard Wirtz

September 25, 1962 to January 20, 1969

From Illinois; Harvard Law School. Teacher of English and law; general counsel, Board of Economic Warfare, War Labor Board; Chairman, Wage Stabilization Board.

Appointed by John F. Kennedy. In labor-management disputes, he encouraged resolution through collective bargaining rather than government intervention. Promoted research to identify labor shortages; led the "War on Poverty" with a host of programs for youth, dropouts, older workers, hardcore unemployed. Implemented new DOL antidiscrimination regulatory responsibilities under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Portrait Artist: Everett R. Kinstler