Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.
Last week, the Senate confirmed President Obama’s nominations for three important administration positions. Seth Harris has been approved to serve as deputy secretary of the Department of Labor (DOL), the second-highest position within the DOL. Harris is a former law professor and DOL policy aide for the Clinton administration, and has written a number of articles in favor of flexible work arrangements.
Linda Puchala was similarly approved last week to hold a seat on the National Mediation Board (NMB). Like Harris, Puchala was a member of Obama’s transition team. In addition, Puchala served as president of the Association of Flight Attendants from 1979 to 1986. Prior to her confirmation, Puchala worked as a senior mediator and associate director of alternative dispute resolution services at the NMB.
J. Randolph “Randy” Babbitt, former president of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), was approved to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A former pilot, Babbitt served as President and CEO of US ALPA, the world’s largest professional airline pilots’ union representing more than 50,000 pilots in the United States and Canada. Before his confirmation as FAA Administrator, Babbitt worked as a partner of Oliver Wyman Group, a worldwide aviation consulting firm.