EEOC Appoints Harthill to Lead Federal Sector Appellate Reviews

WASHINGTON – Susan Harthill, a lawyer and executive leader with 30 years of employment law experience, joined the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as the Director of Appellate Review Programs (ARP) in the agency’s Office of Federal Operations (OFO) on Nov. 18, following her selection in early October.

In the role, Harthill will lead the program responsible for adjudicating appeals of decisions on employment discrimination complaints filed by federal employees and applicants for federal employment. ARP handles approximately 3,000 appeals each year.

“We are pleased to welcome Susan Harthill to the EEOC,” said EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows. “Her years of success managing employment law programs and providing crucial leadership within the federal government as well as her deep knowledge of EEO laws will greatly benefit the agency.”

“I am delighted that Susan Harthill will lead our work in Appellate Review Programs. She has an impressive wealth of experience which will be invaluable to our mission and work,” said Carlton Hadden, Director of the Office of Federal Operations.

“I’m looking forward to furthering the mission of the EEOC, an agency that I deeply respect,” Harthill said. “Having spent decades representing clients in matters before the EEOC, I am excited to be part of the agency and work with the wonderful team at OFO.”

Prior to joining the EEOC, Harthill served at the U.S. Department of Labor, where she acted as the Chair and Chief Judge of the Administrative Review Board. In her previous role as a practicing lawyer, Harthill advised clients on a wide range of topics, including compliance with and litigation brought under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Harthill was formerly a tenured law professor with an array of experience in employment law and discrimination litigation across many different specialization areas.

Harthill earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Leeds, a master’s at the University of Bristol, and a law degree from the University of Cincinnati.

OFO helps provide both leadership and guidance to federal agencies on their EEO programs and works to ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations.

The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.