|
 Printer-Friendly Version
ODEP News Release: [10/01/2002]
Contact Name: Dina
Dorich
Phone Number: (202) 693-7859
Grizzard Sworn-in as the First Assistant Secretary for
Disability Employment Policy
WASHINGTON – A new chapter in Department of Labor history
was opened today when Secretary Elaine L. Chao administered the oath of office
to W. Roy Grizzard. Grizzard is the first person in the department to hold the
position of Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy. The Office of
Disability Employment Policy was authorized by Congress in the fiscal 2001
Labor Department appropriation.
Confirmed by the Senate on July 26, the 12th anniversary of
the Americans with Disabilities Act, Grizzard was officially sworn-in today,
the first day of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
“We are truly blessed to have such an accomplished leader as the
department’s first Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment
Policy,” said Chao. “Roy was chosen because of his talent, his
character and his record of serving his country and the community he so ably
represents. He brings to this job a powerful combination of achievement and
commitment.”
Grizzard is responsible for advising the Secretary of Labor on issues
related to the employment of people with disabilities. He works with all
agencies within the U.S. Department of Labor to provide leadership in the
department's efforts to increase employment opportunities for adults and youth
with disabilities.
Prior to joining the Labor Department, Grizzard served for six years as
commissioner for the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired.
Before his career in public service, he was a teacher and administrator in the
Henrico County (Va.) school system.
Grizzard serves on the Board of Directors for Prevent Blindness of
Virginia. He is a former board member of the Council of State Administrators of
Vocational Rehabilitation, where he was chairman of the Research Committee. He
holds a Doctor of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University, and his
Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees from Virginia Commonwealth
University. Grizzard and his wife Nancy have three sons and three
grandchildren.
# # #
_________________________________________________________________
| 
