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On July 30, 2001, Carol D'Amico was sworn in as the Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE). In her position, she will serve as principal adviser to the U.S. Secretary of Education on all matters related to vocational and adult education.

D'Amico is a nationally recognized expert on workforce development and education issues, a published author, and frequently requested speaker. Secretary Paige noted that D'Amico has "taken on the vital mission of helping Americans keep pace in the rapidly changing global economy." She brings to her current position extensive experience in advising corporate and government leaders on how to strengthen the American economy through educational policy and workforce development strategies.

OVAE's mission is to help all people achieve the knowledge and skills to be lifelong learners, to be successful in their chosen careers, and to be effective citizens. OVAE's responsibilities include programs to support adult education and literacy, career and technical education, high school reform, workforce development, and community colleges.

Prior to her appointment, D'Amico served as Dean for Workforce Development at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana. She was responsible for Ivy Tech’s programs in workforce development, continuing education, marketing, and economic development. Focusing on methods to improve public education, D'Amico also worked as a policy and planning specialist for the Indiana Department of Education, and senior program analyst for the Indiana General Assembly.

In addition to her prior positions in government and higher education, D'Amico co-authored Workforce 2020: Work and Workers in the 21st Century, during her tenure as a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. Workforce 2020 identifies and examines the forces that influence the changing American Economy and offers counsel on how America can rise to the challenges of the 21st Century workforce.

D'Amico's work has been cited in the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, USA Today, Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Business Journal, and Education Week. She testified before Congress and several state legislatures on education issues and job training.

D'Amico earned an Ed.D. in leadership and policy studies and a master of science degree in adult education from Indiana University.

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This page last modified—August 2, 2006.