News Summary
Lori Frazier Bearden, a prominent Savannah figure, has been named Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor. Her appointment comes at a crucial time as the agency addresses unemployment insurance and equitable access to workforce training. With a strong background in labor and economic development, Bearden’s role is anticipated to impact job training and workforce strategies nationwide. As she moves to Washington, D.C., the Savannah community looks on with hopes for addressing local job access challenges and rising housing costs.
Exciting Times for Savannah as Lori Frazier Bearden Makes a Big Move!
Savannah is buzzing with news as one of its very own, Lori Frazier Bearden, has been appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor. That’s right! This role is nothing short of influential when it comes to shaping the future of job training and workforce development strategies across the nation.
What Exactly Does the ETA Do?
The Employment and Training Administration isn’t just a fancy title. This agency is in charge of overseeing unemployment insurance programs and ensuring that there’s equitable access to workforce training for everyone. With conversations about job access, wage fairness, and the road to recovery post-pandemic heating up, Bearden’s appointment couldn’t come at a better time.
The Journey to D.C.
Before stepping into her new role, Bearden was busy making waves as the Deputy Commissioner at the Georgia Department of Labor. She lent her expertise to former Labor Commissioner Mark Butler and also took charge of the Office of Economic Development at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Here, she focused on housing policy and the ever-important issue of economic mobility. Her work during this period earned a combination of both applause for her data-driven approach and skepticism from critics who argued that existing federal workforce programs often fall short by being reactive rather than proactive.
A Strong Academic Background
It’s worth noting that Lori is no stranger to academia. She boasts a bachelor’s degree in political science from Columbus State University and a master’s in public administration from Auburn University. She’s not stopping there, as she is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Auburn, diving deep into research on how one-party dominance in state legislatures influences policy development. Talk about dedication!
The Family Move!
With her new position, it’s safe to say the Bearden family will be uprooting themselves for a move to Washington, D.C. Lori’s husband, Joshua Bearden, is also making his mark as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Georgia, where he’s held some pretty significant cases, including prosecuting Khalid Sheikh Mohammad. With both of them having such high-profile roles, the dynamic duo is certainly set to make an impact!
Local Eyes on Washington
As Bearden takes her place in D.C., folks back in Savannah and across Georgia are undoubtedly paying close attention to how her office will tackle some pressing local issues. Advocates are particularly keen on seeing how her strategies will address rising housing costs and gaps in technical education. These factors are vital in ensuring that more residents find good-paying jobs.
Making a Difference During COVID-19
Let’s not forget the crucial role Bearden played during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she helped develop strategies to safely reopen the Georgia Department of Labor’s career centers. This was essential in helping people get back on their feet during such challenging times.
A Bright Future Ahead
With all the changes happening, one thing is certain: Lori Frazier Bearden’s appointment is not just a big deal for her professionally, but it’s also a significant moment for all Georgians who understand the importance of equitable job access in today’s world. The Savannah community is excited to see what happens next as Bearden steps into this new role and works to shape a better future for workers everywhere.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Lori Frazier Bearden to Lead Employment Training Admin
- WTOC: Savannah Native Tapped for Senior Role at US Department of Labor
- Savannah Now: Six Triple Eight Legacy Removed Online – Daughter Speaks Out
- Savannah Now: Savannah Firm to Host Call-in Clinic for Tax Filing
- WTOC: GA Department of Labor Working to Safely Reopen Career Centers
- Wikipedia: Employment and Training Administration
- Google Search: Employment Training Administration
- Google Scholar: Lori Frazier Bearden
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Workforce Development
- Google News: Lori Frazier Bearden
