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Trade News Release
Friday, March 26, 1999
Contact: Michael Fluharty (202) 693-1999

Assistant Secretary of Labor Charles N. Jeffress today announced the appointment of Mary Carol Lewis, who has been serving as his Chief of Staff, to the post of Associate Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA).

Lewis joined OSHA in April 1998 after having served as the Bureau Chief for Health Compliance with the North Carolina Department of Labor. Lewis will continue to serve as Jeffress' Chief of Staff.

"Mary Carol has been in the forefront of workplace health and safety since 1982 when she began her career as a compliance officer in North Carolina," Jeffress said. "That background, along with her proven management and leadership abilities, provides our team in Washington with a vital link that will help ensure that all Americans can work in a healthful and safe environment."

As Associate Assistant Secretary and Chief of Staff, Lewis continues to serve as a senior member of OSHA's management team and will work with the Assistant Secretary and others on agency policy, oversight and management. She will focus on developing and implementing creative strategies to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities nationwide.

Lewis began her health and safety career in 1982 as a health compliance officer with the North Carolina Department of Labor. In 1984 she was promoted to compliance supervisor and served in that capacity until 1990 when she was appointed as Assistant Bureau Chief for Compliance. In January 1993, Lewis was appointed Bureau Chief for Health Compliance, and served there until her appointment as Jeffress' Chief of Staff.

During her tenure at the North Carolina Department of Labor, Lewis participated in the development of the North Carolina Ergonomics Resource Center, and was part of the management team that ultimately achieved State Plan final approval for the North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health program in 1996.

A native of Sanford, N.C., Lewis earned her baccalaureate in 1977 from Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C.. She has also participated in graduate studies at North Carolina State University in the fields of environmental toxicology, atmospheric pollution, ergonomics and public administration.

Information on this news release will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: 202-693-1999.