DOL Employee Ownership Head Laid Off

The National Association of Stock Plan Advisors (NAPA) reports that Hilary Abell, who in July 2024 was appointed as the head of the Division of Employee Ownership at the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) within the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), has been terminated as part of a wave of actions across the U.S. government.

Additionally, an unknown number of EBSA probationary employees were laid off. Former EBSA head Lisa Gomez, who attended the NCEO's 2024 annual conference and Fall Forum, stated that this will probably cause staffing issues and interfere with EBSA's activities.

Plain-language staff members were also laid off (the Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to use plain language when communicating with the public). Finally, international travel and advisory council activities have been paused.