Layne will retire from the federal government effective Dec. 31 after more than 37 years of government service. In January, he will take the reins of the Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association (VPPPA) as its executive director.
"Throughout his entire career here at OSHA, Davis has been a key force in the agency's development and advancement in improving workplace safety and health," Henshaw said. "As a compliance officer, area director, regional administrator and, most recently, my deputy, his guidance and counsel and leadership have helped ensure that OSHA fulfills its mission in reducing workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. Employers and workers throughout this nation are all recipients of his significant contributions to their safety and health on the job."
Henshaw also announced the appointment of Steven F. Witt as acting deputy assistant secretary. Witt is currently the director of OSHA's Directorate of Standards and Guidance, which develops standards, regulations and guidance to address significant workplace risks. Dorothy Dougherty, currently deputy director of standards and guidance, will become acting director.
"We're fortunate to be able to have the caliber of professionals like Steve and Dorothy who can move up and assume even more important responsibilities within the agency," Henshaw said. "Their experience and long history within the safety and health community will only strengthen and improve OSHA's operation."
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced recently that Jonathan L. Snare has been appointed the deputy assistant secretary for OSHA. Snare, who has worked closely with OSHA in the Solicitor's Office, will also serve as acting assistant secretary upon the departure of the current OSHA Assistant Secretary John Henshaw on Dec. 31, 2004.
"John Henshaw has been a tremendous leader at OSHA, charting a new course for the agency that has helped make workers safer and healthier than before. We want to keep the momentum going in this same direction by advancing some of the individuals who have helped achieve these results," said Chao.
Snare came to the U.S. Department of Labor in June 2003 where he served as senior advisor to the Solicitor of Labor. In that position, Snare focused on issues at OSHA as well as at other agencies including the Department's Wage and Hour Division and the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Prior to joining the U.S. Department of Labor, Snare was engaged in private law practice in Texas. Originally from Indianapolis, Ind., Snare received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and his law degree from Washington & Lee University School of Law.
Kim Lazor, special assistant to the assistant secretary, will also assume a larger role in the agency's operations. Over the last 3 years, Lazor has been key to OSHA's expanding compliance assistance efforts and stakeholder outreach. She previously worked on Capitol Hill and in industry and received an undergraduate degree from Indiana University and a MBA from George Washington University.