Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer to Step Down -- Occupational Health & Safety

Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer to Step Down

The White House announced her departure via social media, with Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling expected to serve as acting secretary.

By Stasia DeMarco
Apr 21, 2026

The White House announced Monday that Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer will step down from her position to transition to a role in the private sector.

In a statement posted on X, the White House said Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling will serve as acting secretary following her departure.

Chavez-DeRemer, who has led the Department of Labor since 2025, oversaw a range of workforce, safety and regulatory initiatives during her tenure.

No additional details about her departure or successor were immediately released.

About the Author

Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.

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