Grizzard Sworn-in as the First Assistant Secretary for
Disability Employment Policy

WASHINGTON – A new chapter in Department of Labor history was opened today when Secretary Elaine L. Chao administered the oath of office to W. Roy Grizzard. Grizzard is the first person in the department to hold the position of Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy. The Office of Disability Employment Policy was authorized by Congress in the fiscal 2001 Labor Department appropriation.

Confirmed by the Senate on July 26, the 12th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Grizzard was officially sworn-in today, the first day of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“We are truly blessed to have such an accomplished leader as the department’s first Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy,” said Chao. “Roy was chosen because of his talent, his character and his record of serving his country and the community he so ably represents. He brings to this job a powerful combination of achievement and commitment.”

Grizzard is responsible for advising the Secretary of Labor on issues related to the employment of people with disabilities. He works with all agencies within the U.S. Department of Labor to provide leadership in the department's efforts to increase employment opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities.

Prior to joining the Labor Department, Grizzard served for six years as commissioner for the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired. Before his career in public service, he was a teacher and administrator in the Henrico County (Va.) school system.

Grizzard serves on the Board of Directors for Prevent Blindness of Virginia. He is a former board member of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation, where he was chairman of the Research Committee. He holds a Doctor of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University, and his Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University. Grizzard and his wife Nancy have three sons and three grandchildren.

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