EEOC Acting Chair Lucas Announces Three Senior Agency Appointments

WASHINGTON — Andrea R. Lucas, acting chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), today announced three new appointments to the agency’s senior leadership team.

The newly appointed senior leadership team includes:

• Sharon Rose, Chief Operating Officer
• Shannon Royce, Chief of Staff
• Amanda Smith, Director of the Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs

These leaders bring deep expertise in operations, policy, communications, and organizational leadership, and will play a critical role in executing the agency’s strategic priorities under the leadership of Acting Chair Andrea Lucas.

“For 60 years, the EEOC has worked to advance equal opportunity and protect the civil rights of the American workforce,” said EEOC Acting Chair Lucas. “Guided by President Trump’s pledge to restore dignity in the workplace and prevent unlawful discrimination, I’m proud to announce these senior leaders who will help carry this mission forward. Together with the dedicated staff of the EEOC, I’m confident we’ll continue to advance workplaces that uphold equal opportunity, merit, and the rule of law.”

Sharon Rose became COO for the agency July 8. Previously, Rose served as senior counsel to the Office of the Solicitor at the Department of Labor, advising the Office of the Secretary and its agencies on a variety of regulatory, enforcement, and litigation matters. Prior to entering government service, Sharon practiced in the Washington and Singapore offices of an international law firm and subsequently co-founded a boutique litigation firm representing plaintiffs and defendants in government enforcement and employment discrimination litigation matters.

"It is a privilege to join the EEOC staff in this capacity to assist in advancing the agency's mission,” said Rose. “I look forward to working with Acting Chair Lucas and the Commission to strengthen agency operations, align strategy, and bolster the EEOC’s work to protect civil rights and foster flourishing work environments across the American workforce.”    

Rose is a summa cum laude graduate of Westmont College and earned a Master of Business Administration at the Claremont Graduate University — Drucker School of Management. She acquired her law degree from the University of California, Davis, where she was an editor of the UC Davis Law Review and the UC Davis Business Law Journal.

Shannon Royce began her role as chief of staff in April. Royce’s prior experience illustrates her strong leadership, working in senior positions in both government and non-profit arenas. As Director of the Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) during the first Trump Administration, she led the department's efforts to build and support partnerships with faith-based and community organizations, enhancing her leadership, coalition-building, and policy experience. Royce has also served in executive leadership in several non-profit organizations and in legislative and legal roles to two U.S. Senators.

“It’s an honor to serve in this role at such a pivotal time for the EEOC,” said Royce. “I’m committed to working with Acting Chair Lucas and colleagues across the agency to strengthen internal cooperation and establish a consistent, strategic vision to support the EEOC’s ability to deliver on its mission effectively and efficiently.”

Royce earned her J.D. at the George Washington University School of Law and is licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Amanda Smith was appointed Director of the Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs (OCLA) in June. She brings over a decade of experience in media strategy, policy communications, and executive engagement across the political, legislative, corporate, and non-profit sectors. Smith previously served as a senior advisor at the Republican National Committee, as Communications Director at HHS during the first Trump administration, and in communications roles for two members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Most recently, she co-led government affairs communications at Lockheed Martin.

“I’m honored to step into this role at the EEOC,” said Smith. “I look forward to working with Acting Chair Lucas and the Commission to tell the story of the agency’s impact and help reinforce equality under the law as the standard for all American workplaces.”

Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Public Relations and graduated summa cum laude with a Master of Arts in Media Communication from Liberty University.

The EEOC is the sole federal agency authorized to investigate and litigate against businesses and other private sector employers for violations of federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. For public sector employers, the EEOC shares jurisdiction with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division; the EEOC is responsible for investigating charges against state and local government employers before referring them to DOJ for potential litigation. The EEOC also is responsible for coordinating the federal government’s employment antidiscrimination effort. More information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.