MSHA Assistant Secretary Sworn In

Christopher J. Williamson, MSHA’s Assistant Secretary, was appointed by President Biden, effective Monday, April 11, 2022. 

Prior to this appointment, he was the senior counsel to National Labor Relations Board Chair Lauren McFerran. Mr. Williamson, a native of West Virginia, worked at MSHA during the Obama administration, advising the assistant secretary on agency policy, operations, and communications. He also has served as labor counsel to former Senate HELP Committee Chair Tom Harkin (D-IA) and as a legislative assistant to Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV). He began his career in public service as an attorney-advisor to Administrative Law Judge Jacqueline R. Bulluck at the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission.

Mr. Williamson earned a Juris Doctor from the West Virginia University College of Law, a Master of Public Policy from American University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from West Virginia University.