NLRB Appoints Kimberly Sanford as Agency’s First Chief Diversity Officer

Today, National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Chairman Lauren McFerran and General Counsel Jennifer A. Abruzzo announced the appointment of Kimberly Sanford as the NLRB’s first Chief Diversity Officer. The appointment is a key component of the NLRB’s commitment to achieving the goals established by President Biden in Executive Order 14035, “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce.” 

As the NLRB’s Chief Diversity Officer, Ms. Sanford will lead the Agency’s efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) goals, including building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive environment, through policy development, workforce analysis, outreach, education, and retention. Ms. Sanford will do so through collaboration and partnership with all Agency divisions, including the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (OEEO), which has led the Agency’s work to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for DEIA.

With over 35 years of federal service, Ms. Sanford currently serves as the Deputy Director for the Division of Administration at the NLRB. Prior to her tenure with the NLRB, she served at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where she began her professional career as a Legal Technician in the Office of Fair Housing Enforcement and advanced to become a Senior Policy Analyst in the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. Ms. Sanford is also a graduate of HUD’s Emerging Leaders Program and holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies.

“The President’s Executive Order aims to make the federal government a model employer. We wholeheartedly agree that DEIA should be an integral part of all our efforts to achieve that goal,” said Chairman McFerran. “We are thrilled that Kimberly will be leading this initiative and building off the work that OEEO and others have already done in order to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace at the NLRB.”

“We’re incredibly pleased to announce this new position within the NLRB, and excited for Kimberly to step into this role,” said General Counsel Abruzzo. “Throughout her tenure at the NLRB, Kimberly has proven to be a strong and thoughtful leader and we’re fortunate that she will be heading our efforts to advance DEIA at the Agency.”