Diversity in NIOSH

Message from the Director of NIOSH

When I visited the various NIOSH divisions and laboratories, I was pleased to hear about the interest within NIOSH in promoting diversity. Coming as I do from a state without a racial or ethnic majority, I am well acquainted with the value that diversity plays in creating vibrant and productive workplaces.

 Today, America has a very different face than it did in the past. We now live in the most diverse country in the world. This diversity is increasingly being reflected not only in our own workplace, but also, and, most importantly, in the population of workers that we at NIOSH serve. NIOSH should mirror that same diversity.

This is the first time in NIOSH history that we have embarked upon an Institute-wide Diversity Initiative. I am confident that NIOSH will be a better Institute when it is a more diverse Institute. And I know that you will join me in making our Diversity Initiative a great success. Each of us has a stake in enhancing diversity at NIOSH, and I encourage you to support our mutual efforts to enhance NIOSH's diversity.

The leadership of NIOSH is committed to the realization of the diversity vision at NIOSH through the accomplishment of the goals and strategies outlined herein. The leadership recognizes that the successful achievement of the diversity vision depends on not only its efforts, but also the efforts of each NIOSH employee. Thus, the NIOSH Leadership Team, NIOSH Diversity Steering Council, and the NIOSH bargaining unit representatives will enlist the full, collaborative support of our entire workforce to accomplish this vision. We recognize that everyone is responsible for building an organization that encourages, values, and effectively utilizes the diverse skills of its staff to provide world-class science and services to the public.

Working together, I am confident that we will be able to achieve our strategic and diversity performance goals.

John Howard
Director