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Patrick Pizzella
Patrick Pizzella official photo (cropped).jpg
36th United States Deputy Secretary of Labor
In office
April 17, 2018 – January 20, 2021
President Donald Trump
Preceded by Chris Lu
Succeeded by Julie Su
Acting United States Secretary of Labor
In office
July 20, 2019 – September 30, 2019
President Donald Trump
Preceded by Alexander Acosta
Succeeded by Eugene Scalia
Chair of the Federal Labor Relations Authority
Acting
In office
January 25, 2017 – December 11, 2017
President Donald Trump
Preceded by Ernest W. DuBester
Succeeded by Colleen Kiko
Member of the Federal Labor Relations Authority
In office
November 12, 2013 – December 31, 2017
President Barack Obama
Donald Trump
Preceded by Thomas Beck
Succeeded by James T. Abbott
United States Assistant Secretary of Labor for Administration and Management
In office
May 9, 2001 – January 20, 2009
President George W. Bush
Preceded by Patricia Watkins Lattimore
Succeeded by T. Michael Kerr
Personal details
Born (1954-05-19) May 19, 1954 (age 71)
New Rochelle, New York, U.S.
Political party Republican
Spouse M. J. Jameson
Education University of South Carolina (BS)

Patrick Pizzella (born May 19, 1954) is an American government official. He has held many important jobs in the U.S. government. From 2018 to 2021, he was the 36th United States Deputy Secretary of Labor. He also served as the acting United States Secretary of Labor for a few months in 2019. Before these roles, he worked for several U.S. Presidents. Today, he is the elected Mayor of the village of Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Early Life and Education

Patrick Pizzella was born on May 19, 1954. He grew up in New Rochelle, New York. He went to Iona Preparatory School. Later, he studied business at the University of South Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree there.

Starting His Career

Pizzella began his career in politics. In 1976, he worked for Ronald Reagan's presidential campaign. After that, he spent four years working for "right-to-work" groups. These groups support laws that let workers decide if they want to join a union.

Working for President Reagan

From 1981 to 1989, Pizzella held several roles in the government. He worked at the General Services Administration (GSA). The GSA helps manage government buildings and supplies. He also worked at the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA helps small businesses grow.

Later, he moved to the United States Department of Education. He helped manage the department's operations. He left this role in 1989.

Helping with Housing

In 1989, Pizzella joined the new Federal Housing Finance Board (FHFB). This board was created to oversee banks that help people buy homes. He worked there for five years, helping to manage the board's operations.

Time in the Private Sector

From 1996 to 2001, Pizzella worked in the private sector. He was a director and counselor at a company called Preston Gates. He helped different groups work together on policy ideas. During this time, he also helped develop policies for The Heritage Foundation.

Working for President George W. Bush

After George W. Bush became President in 2000, Pizzella helped with the changeover of government. He worked at the United States Office of Personnel Management. This office manages federal employees.

In 2001, President Bush nominated him for a new role. He became the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Administration and Management. He served in this job at the United States Department of Labor until 2009. He also served on the board of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. This group helps American businesses invest in other countries.

Back to Consulting

From 2009 to 2013, Pizzella ran his own consulting business. He also wrote articles for different newspapers and magazines. He shared his ideas on government and labor issues.

Helping with Labor Relations

In 2013, President Barack Obama nominated Pizzella to a new position. He became a member of the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). The FLRA helps manage relationships between federal agencies and their employees' unions. He served on this board until 2017. In 2017, President Donald Trump named him the Acting Chairman of the FLRA.

Top Jobs at the Department of Labor

Patrick Pizzella, acting secretary
Pizzella's official portrait during the Trump administration

Deputy Secretary of Labor

In 2017, President Trump chose Pizzella to be the next United States Deputy Secretary of Labor. This is a very important job, helping to lead the entire Department of Labor. The U.S. Senate approved his nomination in April 2018. He served as Deputy Secretary until January 2021.

Acting Secretary of Labor

In July 2019, the Secretary of Labor, Alex Acosta, resigned. President Trump then announced that Patrick Pizzella would serve as the acting Secretary of Labor. This meant he was in charge of the department until a new Secretary was officially chosen. He served in this acting role for over two months.

After Government Service

Back in the Private Sector

After leaving his government jobs in 2021, Pizzella joined the boards of some organizations. He became a board member for the Job Creators Network and the Leadership Institute. He also continued to write articles about labor issues.

Serving His Hometown

In November 2021, Patrick Pizzella was elected to the Village Council of Pinehurst, North Carolina. He and his wife have lived there since 2012. Within a year, he was named Mayor Pro Tem, which means he could act as mayor if the mayor was away.

In November 2023, Pizzella was elected Mayor of Pinehurst. He won with many votes, showing strong support from the community. People saw his election as a way to protect neighborhoods and manage growth in the area.

Personal Life

Patrick Pizzella is married to Mary Joy Jameson. She has also worked in public affairs for several U.S. Presidents. She also worked as a business development executive for Google.

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