The Maryland Department of Labor provides a predictable and inclusive regulatory environment through efficient and responsive processes. Labor safeguards Maryland's work environments through partnership, outreach, and educational programs that encourage ongoing workplace safety and health improvements. We're fostering economic growth through our collaborative, comprehensive employment and job training programs that best ensure Maryland workers have the skills Maryland job creators need to succeed and grow into the future. Our vision for Maryland drives the work of the Department’s employees each and every day.
Portia Wu, Esq.
Secretary
https://labor.maryland.gov
Portia Wu is the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor. This office is an economic driver for the state and provides businesses and residents with customer-focused regulatory, employment, and training services. Labor safeguards Maryland's work environments through partnership, outreach, and educational programs encouraging workplace safety and health improvements.
Secretary Wu has spent her career implementing policies for workers. Before joining the Moore Administration, Secretary Wu was Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training at the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL). During her time at DOL, Secretary Wu led the bipartisan Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2015, which reformed federal programs and instituted new accountability and reporting measures.
Before joining USDOL, Secretary Wu served at the White House Domestic Policy Council as Special Assistant and Senior Policy Advisor to President Barack Obama for Labor and Workforce from 2011 to 2014. Before joining the Obama Administration, Wu also served as Labor Policy Director for the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
Throughout her career, Secretary Wu has overseen programs that provide employment services and job training for millions of individuals annually.
She received a master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Cornell University and her juris doctorate from Yale Law School.