Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced his first deputy secretary appointment since assuming office in 2014.

Washington has appointed attorney Don Harrison, current ADOL assistant general counsel, to serve as deputy secretary of government affairs.

In announcing the appointment, Washington asserted that Harrison’s legal background would prove beneficial in furthering the department’s mission.

“The position of Deputy Secretary has gone unfilled since before my appointment,” stated Washington. “I felt it necessary to have someone with a strong legal background to help fulfill the vision and goals of moving this agency forward to meet the new challenges of an ever-changing workforce. With his extensive experience in labor and employment law, I am confident that he will prove to be an asset in this new position at ADOL.”

Harrison obtained his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law.

Following his studies, Harrison served as a judicial law clerk in Birmingham. He went on to work nine years in private practice with a focus on civil litigation, workers’ compensation, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related matters. Harrison holds 20 years of experience as an attorney practicing labor law.

During his time at ADOL, Harrison has represented the department in litigation and provided numerous ADOL divisions with legal counsel relating to personnel, disciplinary, and other employment-related matters.

Additionally, he has served as a project leader for ADOL’s COVID-19 pandemic response. In the role, he has worked to implement provisions of the CARES Act, executive orders and other laws and regulations.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL