The Honorable La Doris “Dot” Harris brings over 30 years of management and leadership experience as the Director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). She ensures that minorities and historically underrepresented communities are afforded opportunities to fully participate in the Department’s programs.
Principal Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity
Andre H. Sayles, Ph.D., joined the Department of Energy as the Principal Deputy Director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity in September 2013. Prior to the current assignment, Dr. Sayles was the Director of Diversity Strategy and Implementation for the U.S. Army, where he was responsible for developing and leading implementation of strategic plans for sustaining the Army as a national leader in diversity through inclusive policies and practices, and supporting the Army’s 1.3 million Soldiers and Army Civilians who serve our country.
Deputy Director, Office of Minority Education and Community Development
Annie Whatley has been the voice for minority education programs at the Department of Energy for more than 15 years - providing opportunities for universities and students to participate in the research and education programs at the Department. She has been instrumental in providing more than $800 million to minority educational institutions - of which more than $600 million went to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
A native of Alabama, she is a graduate of Alabama A&M University where she received a B.S degree in Economics.
Deputy Director, Office of Minority Business and Economic Development
Karen Atkinson joined the Department of Energy as a Deputy Director to establish the new Office of Minority Business and Economic Development. The office is authorized to broaden the positive economic impact that the Department’s policies and programs have on minority business enterprises and communities. Ms. Atkinson develops strategies to raise awareness of energy sector opportunities and increase outreach to diverse enterprises and develops partnerships to provide technical assistance to increase minority business participation in the energy industry and in DOE programs.