Washington, DC

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser appointed Odie Donald II as Acting Director of the Department of Employment Services (DOES) following the resignation of Deborah Carroll, who informed the Administration of her desire to pursue other opportunities after two years of service. As DC Works Workforce Investment Council (WIC) Executive Director, Mr. Donald directed more than $100 million in local and federal funds administered by the District workforce system for economic development, labor force, and health and human services programs.

“I am pleased to have Odie Donald at the helm of the Department of Employment Services,” said Mayor Bowser. “His tremendous leadership has guided our Workforce Investment Council to successes in reforming our processes and ensuring more pathways to the middle class for District residents. I am confident he will lend the same energy and commitment to his work at DOES.”

Mr. Donald is a workforce expert whose contributions to the District include leading efforts to be named one of 16 White House Summer Impact Hubs, launching the Millennial Week Hiring Fair to connect millennials with high demand occupations, and leading the implementation of the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Plan. Prior to joining the WIC, Mr. Donald served as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Services Director for the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Workforce Division.

With Mr. Donald’s appointment, Mayor Bowser has selected Diane Pabich, WIC Associate Director, as WIC Interim Executive Director. Prior to joining the DC WIC, Pabich served as Acting Director of the State of Maryland Governor’s Workforce Investment Board. She is credited with the redesign of Maryland’s One-Stop delivery system, moving towards a performance-driven model centered on an integrated customer-centered flow of services to individual job seekers through the American Job Center.

Ms. Carroll served as the Director of DOES and the former interim Director and past Administrator for the DC Department of Human Services Economic Security Administration. Prior to DOES and DC WIC, Ms. Carroll joined the Office of the General Counsel for the DC Department of Human Services (DHS) in 2003, where she served as the Deputy General Counsel for DHS and served as principal attorney for the Economic Security Administration. She eventually advanced to Acting General Counsel for DHS from 2006 through 2008 before she joined the agency in 2009 to serve as the Administrator.

“I would like to thank Deborah Carroll for her leadership, vision, and determination in helping to fulfill a key commitment of my Administration, which is putting more District residents to work,” said Mayor Bowser.

The Department of Employment Services (DOES) is the District’s lead labor, workforce development agency, and responsible for providing District residents with critical employment readiness and job training services. The agency oversees Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, Project Empowerment, L.E.A.P., Career Connections, and additional supportive programs for veterans and senior citizens. To learn more about the programs and services offered at DOES visit does.dc.gov. The District’s Workforce Investment Council (WIC) is a private-sector led board responsible for advising the Mayor, Council, and DC Government on the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of an integrated and effective workforce investment system. For more information about the DC Workforce Investment Council, visit dcworks.dc.gov.