Catherine Eschbach has been named director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs in the U.S. Department of Labor.
The Labor Department said Monday Eschbach will be responsible for overseeing the OFCCP as it implements the new executive order rescinding EO 11246, which aims to end “illegal discrimination” and restore merit-based opportunity in federal contracting, primarily by dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, practices.
Eschbach on EO 11246 and DEI Practices
“President Trump made clear in his executive order on eliminating DEI that EO 11246 had facilitated federal contractors adopting DEI practices out of step with the requirements of our Nation’s civil rights laws and that, with the rescission of EO 11246, the president mandates federal contractors wind those practices down within 90 days,” said Eschbach. “As director, I’m committed to carrying out President Trump’s executive orders, which will restore a merit-based system to provide all workers with equal opportunity,” she added.
Career Achievements
The new DOL executive most recently worked as an appellate attorney for six years at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, where she honed her knowledge on complex constitutional, statutory and administrative law issues. Escbach led the firm’s efforts to ensure the federal government’s practices adhered to constitutional limits, including those affecting OFCCP.
Earlier in her career, Eschbach worked as a judicial law clerk for Chief Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He served the same role for Judge David Hittner of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
