By: Benjamin Kerner
October 16th, 2024, Nakisha Pugh was selected as the Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) Division of Program Operations (DPO). The announcement was posted in a bulletin authored by acting OFCCP Director Michele Hodge.
Pugh spent 24 years with the Department of Labor and OFCCP, demonstrating “significant institutional and historical knowledge of policy, enforcement, and operational initiatives.”
She joined OFCCP in 2000 as a Compliance Investigator and was promoted to Senior Compliance Investigator in 2007 in the Functional Affirmative Action Program (FAAP) Branch. In 2012, she became FAAP Branch Chief within the DPO.
From 2022 – 2024, Pugh served as Director of Education and Stakeholder Engagement in the National Office’s Division of Policy and Program Development. According to the bulletin, she was “instrumental” in developing and executing robust education and outreach programs, leveraging technology to deliver consistent messaging to all stakeholders, including vulnerable worker populations.
Pugh also spearheaded the FAAP relaunch, increasing participation in the program and allowing contractors to shift from establishment-based AAPs. Every year, she plays an integral role in the development of OFCCP’s annual management plan, underscoring her ability to innovate and enhance processes within the agency.
Pugh began her new role on Monday, October 21st, 2024. DCI will continue to provide updates on how her appointment, and any subsequent developments, may impact compliance objectives.
