Biden Wage Enforcement Chief Tapped as Virginia Labor Secretary

Jessica Looman, the Biden-era leader of the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division, will serve as Virginia’s next labor secretary.

“As Secretary of Labor, Ms. Looman will drive my administration’s mission to equip Virginians with the skills and education they need to build steady, rewarding careers — and power Virginia’s economy into the future,” Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger said Monday in announcing the appointment.

During the Biden administration, the WHD under Looman collected more than $1 billion in backwages and damages from employers that allegedly violated minimum wage, overtime, and other federal labor laws. The agency also launched a specialized ...