The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a series of senior political appointees to support Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer in advancing President Donald Trump’s priorities for American workers and retirees.
John Clark will take on the role of policy advisor at the Bureau of International Labor Affairs. His background includes work on trade, transportation, and China policy matters with an industry association based in Washington, D.C. Clark holds degrees from the University of Hawaii at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law and Florida State University.
In the Employment and Training Administration, Amy Simon is appointed as principal deputy assistant secretary. She previously founded Simon Advisory and served in similar roles during the first Trump Administration. Marek Laco joins as chief of staff, having led workforce development policy for the Committee on Education and the Workforce in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Amanda Wood Laihow is named deputy assistant secretary for OSHA, with prior experience as a commissioner at the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission during Trump's first term. Michael Asplen will serve as OSHA’s senior policy advisor, bringing experience from his previous roles including chief counsel to Commissioner Laihow.
Joe MacFarlane is appointed senior legislative officer for the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, following his tenure as legislative director for Secretary Chavez-DeRemer when she was a member of Congress.
Brian Walsh joins as a senior policy advisor in the Office of Disability Employment Policy after advising on labor policy with the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Elisabeth Messenger takes charge as director of the Office of Labor-Management Standards. Her past roles include executive director at Gevura Fund and leadership positions within non-profit organizations focused on free market policies.
Courtney Parella assumes her new position as deputy assistant secretary in Public Affairs after working on messaging strategy for members of Congress and involvement in President Trump’s 2020 campaign. Aaron Britt will be chief of staff in this office; he formerly served as communications director for Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
In Secretary Chavez-DeRemer's office, Jihun Han becomes chief of staff after running her congressional campaign in 2022. Rebecca Wright serves as deputy chief of staff with experience directing district operations under Chavez-DeRemer in Oregon.
Courtney Walter is appointed senior counselor; she returns to public service after practicing law privately focusing on labor issues post-Trump administration service.
Colton Duncan steps into his role as White House liaison while Peyton Smith becomes director of scheduling following her operational leadership during Chavez-DeRemer's time representing Oregon's 5th District.
Jonathan Snare was recently appointed deputy solicitor; he rejoins from Morgan Lewis & Bockius where he was partner since 2009 after serving multiple roles within Department earlier between 2003-2009 including acting assistant secretary for OSHA.
