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OPA News Release: [07/26/2002]
Contact Name: Dina
Dorich
Phone Number: (202) 693-7859
Dr. Roy Grizzard Confirmed as First Assistant Secretary of Labor
Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy
WASHINGTON -- Following a White House ceremony in which President
Bush commemorated the 12th anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced the Senate
confirmation of Dr. Roy Grizzard as the first Assistant Secretary of the Office
of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
Grizzard was formerly the commissioner for the Department for the Blind
and Vision Impaired for the Commonwealth of Virginia. In his capacity as chief
administrator, Grizzard managed an operating budget of $22,500,000 that funded
comprehensive services to the state’s blind, visually impaired and deaf
blind, as well as supervised 196 employees.
“We are fortunate to have Roy lead the Office of Disability
Employment Policy and the President’s New Freedom Initiative,”
said Chao. “Roy’s experience as the commissioner of the Virginia
Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired and his own challenges with his
personal disability have given him a deep empathy and compassion in leading the
charge to increase employment of persons with disabilities.”
Prior to his work in Virginia, Grizzard was a personnel administrator
for the Henrico County Public Schools. Grizzard worked nearly 20 years in the
Henrico Public School System, rising from a teaching position to that of an
assistant principal.
Grizzard holds a Bachelor of Science in health and physical education
and a Master of Science in education administration and supervision from the
Virginia Commonwealth University. Grizzard also holds a doctorate in education
in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Grizzard is a
board member of Prevent Blindness Virginia and chairman of the research
committee of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational
Rehabilitation.
Grizzard, who is legally blind, is married to Nancy Gormours Grizzard
and has three children and two grandchildren.
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