United States Department of Labor
Janet Norwood was an icon here at BLS, and my colleagues and I are all deeply saddened by her passing.
Janet’s 28-year career at BLS was capped by serving as BLS Commissioner for 12 years, spanning three Presidential administrations. During her tenure, she rightly earned a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and impartiality.
She set the standard for BLS Commissioners for generations to come, and these attributes are ones that BLS leaders today strive to emulate. I know Janet will continue to inspire all who follow in her footsteps here at BLS.
Janet successfully ushered BLS through a time of tremendous change and modernization. As a consequence of her visionary leadership, the agency emerged as a model workplace. We are stronger and more dynamic, and the statistics we produce rose to new heights of prominence as a result of her efforts.
Her legacy lives on here in the halls of BLS—and on our website—where the tangible results of her many accomplishments can still be seen. Simply put, all U.S. policymakers, businesses, and families can make better decisions every day because of Janet Norwood’s work at BLS.
Whether we work in our regional field offices or our headquarters in Washington, we all owe Janet a debt of gratitude for her unflinching leadership and service to this agency and the nation. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
You can learn more about Commissioner Norwood’s life and career in these obituaries.