Department of Labor’s Seattle District Supervisor Retiring After 32 Plus Years of Federal Service

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

Seattle, Washington - John F. Scanlon, district supervisor of the Seattle district office of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), has retired after more than 32 years of federal service. As district supervisor, he oversaw EBSA operations and actions in the Pacific Northwest, including enforcement, public outreach and assistance to workers regarding their employee benefit plans.

“John’s steadfast dedication and strong work ethic have been tremendous assets to the agency and an essential part of the agency’s efforts to protect workers’ benefits and provide compliance assistance to employers and other plan officials. We will miss his many contributions, both personal and professional,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor Ann L. Combs.

Scanlon’s impressive record of federal service began after high school when he joined the Navy, honorably serving his country during the Vietnam War from 1965-1969. He returned to his home state of Washington to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in history from Seattle University and a law degree from the University of Washington, Seattle. One year after enactment of ERISA, he joined the Labor Department as an investigator with the Labor-Management Services Administration. Following a reorganization in the department, he moved to the newly created Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, later renamed EBSA. He distinguished himself as an investigator, rapidly rising through the ranks to first-line supervisor and, in 1987, to district supervisor.

Scanlon has received numerous commendations throughout his career with EBSA for a combination of superb management skills and technical proficiency in the law. He has been a mentor for dozens of investigators and an indispensable resource for supervisors and managers throughout the country. He was, in effect, an ambassador for the agency. He cultivated relationships with other federal and state government agencies, established contacts with professional organizations, and made presentations at practitioner forums and employee benefit education conferences throughout the Seattle district. Under his leadership, the Seattle district office has consistently been a top-performing EBSA office.

In recognition of his accomplishments, Scanlon received numerous awards, including two career service awards. In 1990, he also received the Elliot I. Daniel Award, EBSA’s highest honor bestowed on an agency manager.

Scanlon’s future plans include spending more time with his family.

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Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.