CONSTANCE BARKER SWORN IN AS EEOC COMMISSIONER

WASHINGTON  – Constance S. Barker has been sworn in as a Commissioner of the U.S. Equal  Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced today. Ms. Barker was nominated by President George W. Bush on March 31, 2008, and unanimously confirmed by the Senate on June 27 to serve the remainder of a five-year term expiring on July 1, 2011.

"We are delighted to welcome Commissioner Barker to the EEOC,” agency Chair Naomi C. Earp said. “Her knowledge and experience enhances the Commission and ensures that we are best able to address the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century workplace."

Commissioner Barker joins Chair Earp, Vice Chair Leslie E. Silverman and Commissioners Stuart J. Ishimaru and Christine M. Griffin on the five-member Commission. Commissioners are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate to staggered five-year terms. The Commission makes equal employment opportunity policy and approves litigation in consultation with the General Counsel – currently Ronald S. Cooper.

“I’m honored to join the EEOC, and to be entrusted with a position where I will be able to play a direct role in combating workplace discrimination and advancing an America where all may compete equally,” Commissioner Barker said.

Commissioner  Barker’s experience in labor and employment law includes positions in both the  private and public sectors. As a shareholder at Capell & Howard, P.C. in Montgomery, Ala.,  she provided advice regarding the prevention of discrimination complaints and  defended clients in employment discrimination lawsuits. Her public-sector experience includes four  years as an assistant district attorney for the 11th and 13th  Judicial Circuits of Alabama, one year as a judge for two Alabama localities, and 11 years as the general  counsel for the Mobile County Public School System.

A native of Florence,  Ala., Ms. Barker received a bachelor’s degree  from the University of Notre Dame and a juris doctor from the University of Alabama. She is admitted to practice in the U.S.  Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the U.S.  District Courts for the Northern District of Alabama, Middle District of  Alabama, and Southern District of Alabama.  Commissioner Barker and her husband, Carl, have a daughter, Christina Aune, who is an investment banker in New York.

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