Biography of Jessalyn L. Pendarvis
Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs
Since April 1989, Jessalyn L. Pendarvis has served as Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs (EOP), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). She manages all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) programs, advising the Administrator on significant issues that warrant change, correction or training. Through management of the complaint process, issuing decisions and settling discrimination complaints, she ensures conformity of personnel actions with pro-visions of EEO law. She is responsible for implementing a legally sufficient affirmative employment plan through monitoring, liaison with Agency management, and affirmative efforts directed toward women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
During Pendarvis' tenure, the EEO program has made program advances. The Agency has improved in the representation of women and minorities in the Foreign Service by utilizing two affirmative measures. One is directed toward expanding the recruitment pool for selections to the Senior Management Group. The other increases promotions of qualified women and minorities by dropping the promotion line where underrepresentation exists. This practice is inclusive, promoting all individuals above the new line. Another advancement is the creation of the Disability Review Committee, which makes decisions on requests for reasonable accommodation. The Alternative Dispute Resolution program, another process begun and managed by EOP, is a tool used to resolve discrimination complaints. Beyond these specific initiatives, EOP has increased outreach activities, and is focusing on workforce areas where progress is needed. EOP has presented numerous workshops on equity, diversity and communication issues. Recently EOP produced a resource guide for all employees - USAID Guide to the EEO Complaint Process.
A member of the Senior Executive Service, Pendarvis began her federal career in 1972 with the Justice Department. Between 1972 and 1974, she was a Title VII Appeals Hearing Officer, U.S. Civil Service Commission and a Legislative Assistant, U.S. House of Representatives; 1974 to 1983 Pendarvis held various positions at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights; 1983 to 1988 she was the Director, Equal Opportunity, National Institutes of Health; 1988 to 1989 she was the Command Director, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, U.S. Army Materiel Command.
A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Pendarvis received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Tuskegee Institute University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Notre Dame. She resides in the District of Columbia.
Back to Top ^
|
