On April 28, 2021, President Biden took a highly-anticipated first step towards finally staffing the long vacant board member positions with the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). President Biden nominated Cathy Harris of the law firm Kator, Parks, Weiser & Harris in Washington, DC to chair the MSPB. Ms. Harris has practiced employment law for more than two decades, representing individuals in both the federal and private sectors. Additional information about Ms. Harris can be found within the White House press briefing here: President Biden Announces 16 Key Administration Nominations | The White House.
The MSPB has lacked quorum, rendering it unable to issue decisions, for more than four years. We remain hopeful that nominations for the two remaining vacant Board member positions will come soon and that the Senate will act quickly to confirm the new Board and Ms. Harris as Chair.