U.S. Department of Labor Announces Dr. Laurie Todd-Smith As Director of the Women’s Bureau

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor announced that Dr. Laurie Todd-Smith is now the Director of the Department's Women Bureau.

"Dr. Laurie Todd-Smith has dedicated her life to delivering crucial workforce education in her community," said U.S. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia. "As we approach the 100-year celebration of the Women's Bureau, Dr. Todd-Smith will play a leading role in shaping our continued efforts to help women enter and succeed in the American workforce."

A former Executive Director of the State Workforce Investment Board and State Early Childhood Advisory Council in Mississippi, Dr. Todd-Smith played a leading role in the creation of the Family-Based Unified and Integrated State Plan. She also served as a Senior Education Policy Advisor to Governor Phil Bryant and was an adjunct faculty member and researcher at Mississippi State University. Dr. Todd-Smith started her career as an elementary school teacher.

Dr. Todd-Smith has a Ph.D. from Mississippi State University, M.Ed. from Western New Mexico University, and a B.A. from the University of Arizona.

The Women's Bureau develops policies and standards and conducts inquiries to safeguard the interests of working women, to advocate for their equality and economic security for themselves and their families, and to promote quality work environments.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.