"To realize more fully the goal of using the talents of all segments of society, the Federal Government must continue to challenge itself to enhance its ability to recruit, hire, promote, and retain a more diverse workforce.  Further, the Federal Government must create a culture that encourages collaboration, flexibility, and fairness to enable individuals to participate to their full potential." - President Barack Obama

On August 18, 2011, President Obama issued an Executive Order on Establishing a Coordinated Government-wide Initiative to Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Federal Workforce. This initiative seeks to coordinate the Department of Energy and all other Federal agencies' approach to embracing a diverse workplace, through a comprehensive, integrated, and strategic focus on diversity and inclusion as a key component of human resources.

Secretary Chu has said that embracing diversity in all aspects of our operations is crucial to achieving the Department of Energy's critical mission. In anticipation of the Executive Order that was released on August 18, the Department created the Office of Diversity Programs to spearhead diversity initiatives throughout the Department. The Office of Diversity Programs plans to work closely with program offices across the Department of Energy complex to ensure that we are in compliance with President Obama's order. We'll also be advising Secretary Chu on existing diversity plans, identifying best practices and new programs.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has been directed to develop and issue a Government-wide Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan within 90 days of the issuance of this Executive Order. We look forward to working with OMB to implement these best practices and formulating and implementing our own Department of Energy-specific Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan. Our Office of Diversity Programs will work with organizations within the complex to conduct training and establish goals and metrics to improve diversity at the Department.

The Federal Government is the Nation's largest employer, and we operate at our best when we tap into the talents and strengths of all members of our society. The Office of Economic Impact and Diversity will be working closely with the OMB and Mike Kaine, our Chief Human Capital Office, to more fully invest in a diverse workforce at the Department.