EEOC NAMES DEXTER BROOKS DIRECTOR OF AGENCY'S FEDERAL SECTOR PROGRAMS

WASHINGTON – Stuart J. Ishimaru, Acting Chairman of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), has appointed Dexter Brooks as the EEOC's Director of Federal Sector Programs, the EEOC announced today.

Brooks, a highly regarded national expert in the federal sector EEO and affirmative employment programs, had previously directed the EEOC's federal sector training and outreach efforts. Immediately prior to his selection, he had served as Acting Director of Federal Sector Programs, a critical component of EEOC's Office of Federal Operations.

"We are delighted that, after a highly competitive search process, we have found an individual who is superbly suited to lead our efforts in making the federal government a model employer," Ishimaru said.  "This selection comes at a critical time and provides us with unparalleled opportunities to move forward with a reinvigorated federal sector enforcement approach."

Brooks said, "I am appreciative and honored by this opportunity and thank Acting Chairman Ishimaru.  During my tenure with EEOC, I have seen the federal government take positive steps in the area of employment opportunity.  It is my sincere desire to build on this momentum and set in motion new initiatives which will ensure that federal applicants and employees are allowed to compete and develop to the full extent of their competency."

During his EEOC tenure, which began in October 1998, Brooks has coordinated and managed the Federal Sector Training and Outreach programs, developed and delivered hundreds of national training courses and technical assistance presentations to federal agencies and other stakeholder groups and served as a key advisor to the Director of the Office of Federal Operations, assisting the Director in planning short- and long-range activities, establishing goals and priorities, and developing and modifying policies and procedures to accomplish the Commission's federal sector mission.

EEOC's Office of Federal Operations provides leadership and guidance to Federal agencies on the Federal government's EEO programs; develops and implements Commission-approved affirmative employment policies; assures Federal agency compliance with Commission regulations which establish systems for the fair adjudication of discrimination complaints; and administers the appeals process for the Federal sector. It also provides guidance and leadership for all other Commission activities to affect government-wide EEO processes and programs.

The Federal Sector Programs is a major component of EEOC's Office of Federal Operations. Carlton Hadden, OFO Director, stated, "This is a key milestone event for the federal sector community; Dexter is a great innovator and motivator and is highly sought out for his expertise in the federal sector.  EEOC and all federal agencies will benefit tremendously from Dexter's leadership of this program."

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