This morning, the Washington Post's Al Kamenreported that John Berry, director of the National Zoo, will be the next director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
The Office of Personnel Management essentially functions as the human resources portal for federal agencies and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.
Berry is a former executive director of the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and served as assistant secretary of the Interior Department for management. Berry also served as legislative director for House Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) from 1985-1994.
HRC President Joe Solmonese issued this statement today:
The selection of John Berry to head the Office of Personnel Management is a meaningful step forward for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. In his new role, John will make critical decisions regarding the implementation of fair workplace policies for millions of federal workers. We congratulate him on his remarkable achievements and look forward to his continued leadership for the LGBT community and the nation as a whole.
Correction: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated that as director of OPM, Berry would become the highest-ranking openly gay public official. Special thanks to HRC member P. Richard who wrote to clarify that according to the US order of precedence, Representatives Barney Frank, Tammy Baldwin and Jared Polis are the highest-ranking openly gay public officials as members of the House of Representatives.
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