The Department of Commerce announced Zoë Baird has been appointed senior counselor to the secretary for technology and economic growth.
Baird will concentrate on boosting nationwide apprenticeship and employer-based training programs, according to a Sept. 27 news release.
“Zoë brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in workforce development, technology and civil rights through an incredibly accomplished career,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the release.
Her duties will also include ensuring everyone benefits economically from emerging innovations, including small and medium-sized businesses and improving American competitiveness in vital technologies, the release reported.
Baird said she was grateful to join the Commerce Department during this critical time. She shares a vision the U.S. should be at the forefront of science and technology with Raimondo and President Joe Biden, the release said. The workforce should be prepared to take part in high-growth American industries.
“I look forward to working with the dedicated team at the Department and to contributing to their efforts to create a more inclusive economy,” she said, according to the release.
In her most recent position, Baird served as the Markle Foundation's CEO and president for more than 20 years and sat on its board of directors. She founded Lawyers for Children America. The organization recruits and trains attorneys in private practice and corporate legal departments to represent abused children. At the time, she was senior vice president and general counsel at Aetna Life and Casualty Company, the release reported.
