"I am very pleased to be able to work with Christine on important issues that directly affect the Federal government and its workforce," said OPM Director John Berry. "She brings a wealth of knowledge, as well as life experience, about how to create a workforce that can handle whatever challenge it is given."
Discussing her new role, Griffin said: "I am grateful to President Obama and Director Berry for this exciting opportunity to work with the fabulous team at OPM. I consider it a great honor to serve in an Administration that truly wants to improve all aspects of employment for the Federal workforce."
Prior to her accepting the OPM appoinment, Griffin was a Commissioner of the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commisssion (EEOC), where she helped develop and approve enforcement policies, including those authorized by law, regulation, or order.
Griffin was a vocal supporter of promoting a diverse Federal workforce, as well as a proponent of greater efficiency and fairness in the Federal EEO process. She has also been a strong advocate for women's rights and the rights of individuals with disabilities. Notably, in June 2006, Ms. Griffin launched the LEAD Initiative - Leadership for the Employment of Americans with Disabilities - to address the significant under-employment of individuals with severe disabilities in the Federal government.
Before her appointment with the EEOC, Griffin worked extensively in labor and employment law positions in both the public and private sectors, including her service as the Executive Director of the Disability Law Center in Boston from 1996 to 2005. Prior to that, Ms. Griffin served from 1995 to 1996 as an Attorney Advisor to the former Vice Chair of the EEOC, Paul M. Igasaki, advising him on legal matters and policy issues. Ms. Griffin is also a Vietnam-Era Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving on active duty from 1974-1977.
A native of Boston, Ms. Griffin received her undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1983. Ms. Griffin received her law degree from the Boston College Law School, and was awarded the prestigious Skadden Arps Fellowship upon graduation. In December 2005, Ms. Griffin was selected as one of the nation's eleven "Lawyers of the Year" by Lawyers Weekly USA newspaper.
