LESLIE SILVERMAN TAKES OFFICE AS EEOC VICE CHAIR

PRESS RELEASE
9-20-06

WASHINGTON – Leslie E. Silverman, a veteran Member of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), has formally taken office as EEOC Vice Chair, the EEOC announced today. President George W. Bush designated Ms. Silverman as Vice Chair earlier this month. She has been serving as an EEOC Commissioner since March 7, 2002.

“I am honored to serve in this new role at the EEOC,” Vice Chair Silverman said. “I look forward to working with Chair Naomi Earp and the other Commissioners as we face the challenges ahead.”

EEOC Chair Naomi C. Earp said, “The Commission is fortunate to have such a talented leader. Leslie Silverman’s public and private sector experience demonstrates her noteworthy command of, and commitment to, equal employment opportunity. She will make a stellar Vice Chair.”

The office of EEOC Vice Chair became vacant earlier this month when President Bush elevated then-Vice Chair Earp to Chair. Chair Earp succeeded former Chair Cari M. Dominguez, who stepped down at the end of a five-year term.

As a member of the Commission, Vice Chair Silverman recently led the EEOC’s Systemic Task Force, which examined the EEOC’s efforts at combating systemic discrimination. In April 2006, the Commission unanimously adopted the Task Force’s major recommendations aimed at improving the EEOC’s systemic program. In addition, Vice Chair Silverman has been active in the EEOC's mediation program. In partnership with the American Bar Association, she led an effort to expand and enhance the program. She also is a participant on the Center for Work-Life Policy's "Hidden Brain Drain" Task Force, which focuses on the retention and advancement of women and minority employees.

Immediately prior to joining the Commission, Ms. Silverman served for five years as Labor Counsel to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. From 1990 to 1997, she was an associate specializing in employment law and litigation with Keller and Heckman, a Washington-based law firm.

A native of Needham, Mass., Ms. Silverman holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont; a Juris Doctor degree from the American University, Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C.; and a Masters degree With Distinction in labor and employment law from the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C.

EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.

This page was last modified on September 20, 2006.