News Summary

Lori Frazier Bearden has been appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor. Her extensive background in workforce development and housing policy positions her to influence job training strategies at a national level. Bearden’s appointment signifies important federal representation from Georgia, especially amidst current challenges in job access and wage fairness.

Savannah Appointee Takes Key Role at U.S. Department of Labor

Lori Frazier Bearden has been appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) at the U.S. Department of Labor. This role places her at the forefront of shaping national job training and workforce development strategies.

Career Background

• Bearden is originally from Savannah, Georgia.
• Previously served as Deputy Commissioner at the Georgia Department of Labor under former Labor Commissioner Mark Butler.
• Led the Office of Economic Development at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), focusing on housing policy and economic mobility.

Educational Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Columbus State University.
• Master’s degree in Public Administration from Auburn University.
• Ph.D. candidate in Public Administration and Public Policy at Auburn, researching one-party dominance impacts on policy development.

Role and Responsibilities

The ETA is responsible for managing programs related to unemployment insurance and ensuring equitable access to workforce training. The Department of Labor aims to enhance the efficiency of the U.S. labor market amidst automation and economic inequality.

Local Impact and Future Directions

Bearden’s appointment reflects significant federal representation from Georgia at a time of heightened focus on job access and wage fairness in America. Advocates in Savannah and the Coastal Empire are particularly interested in how her office will address:

• Rising housing costs
• Job instability in the gig economy

Personal Life

Bearden’s husband, Joshua Bearden, is an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Georgia and serves as a Colonel in the U.S. Army, involved in high-profile national security cases. The family will relocate to Washington, D.C. during her tenure.

As Bearden steps into this influential role, stakeholders are keenly watching the outcomes of her policies on workforce development.

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Additional Resources

• WTOC: Savannah Native Tapped for Senior Role at U.S. Department of Labor
• Savannah Now: Lori Frazier Bearden to Lead Employment Training Admin
• WSAV: SEDA Launches RISE Program for Workforce Concerns
• Wikipedia: United States Department of Labor
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Workforce