Washington, D.C. (December 15, 2025) – The National Organization on Disability (NOD) congratulates Julie Hocker on her confirmation as Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Office of Disability Employment Policy. In this critical role, Secretary Hocker will lead the federal government’s mission of increasing workplace success for people with disabilities.
Secretary Hocker brings a strong commitment to inclusion and workforce equity that aligns with NOD’s long-standing mission to ensure people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of civic and economic life.
Prior to her appointment at the Department of Labor, Hocker served as the U.S. Commissioner on Disabilities at the Department of Health and Human Services, where she oversaw a multi-million-dollar agency and launched national initiatives to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities, including establishing the National Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center and the first federal prize competition for innovation in job training.
People with disabilities continue to face significant barriers to employment, from persistent disparities in workforce participation to systemic challenges in hiring, retention, and advancement. We look forward to working with Secretary Hocker to build on the momentum of recent efforts at both ODEP and NOD, prioritizing meaningful employment, career pathways, and equitable opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Secretary Hocker’s lived experience and longstanding commitment to expanding opportunity for individuals with disabilities position her well to lead ODEP’s important work.
NOD applauds Secretary Hocker’s confirmation and is eager to form a productive partnership that promotes economic opportunity, dignity, and drives inclusion for people with disabilities across the nation.
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About the National Organization on Disability (NOD)
The National Organization on Disability (NOD) is committed to increasing employment opportunities and fostering inclusive work environments for the millions of Americans with disabilities. NOD offers a suite of employment solutions tailored to anticipate and meet leading companies’ workforce needs and has helped some of the world’s most recognized brands be more competitive in today’s global economy by building or enriching their disability inclusion programs.
For more information about NOD, visit www.nod.org.