Robert B. Reich

Tenure: January 22, 1993 to January 10, 1997

Formerly on the faculty of Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. Served as an assistant to the Solicitor General in the Ford Administration; on policy planning staff of the Federal Trade Commission in the Carter Administration. Written seven books and more than 200 articles on the global economy and the U.S. workforce.

Appointed by Bill Clinton. Major issues/accomplishments included the School-to-Work Opportunities Act; skill standards which certify that workers have the skills that employers need; funds for one-stop career centers, linking unemployment insurance, job counseling, and access to job training; and enactment of the Retirement Protection Act. Stressed protection of workers with crackdowns on sweatshops, on unsafe worksites, and on fraudulent purveyors of health insurance.