John Berry: Highest Ranking Openly Gay Man:
John Berry was nominated by President Barack Obama to head the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which would make Berry the highest ranking openly gay official in the Administration. The position itself does not have direct influence over Congress, but as director, Berry will be able to shift the OPM's position on federal domestic partnership benefits. Currently under DOMA, the same-sex partners of federal employees do not qualify for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, retirement benefits or relocation programs.
John Berry: The National Zoo:
As director of the National Zoo, Berry oversees both the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park, a 163-acre facility in Washington, D.C., and the 3,200-acre Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Va. Both include over 240 employees and a collection of 2,000 animals. Berry reports directly to Charles Alcock, Acting Under Secretary for Science.
John Berry: LGBT Policy:
Berry served as assistant secretary for policy, management and budget in the Clinton Administration, which activists see as a prelude to any future policy directions. Berry was a staunch advocate for equal LGBT rights while serving in the Interior.
His achievements include overseeing the creation of a grievance procedure for employees who experienced discrimination because of their sexual orientation; creating a liaison position to gay and lesbian employees; eliminating bans on security clearances for gay and lesbian National Park Service employees; and expanding relocation benefits and counseling services to the domestic partners of Interior employees. In 2001, Berry was presented with the New Millennium Human Rights Award by the Interior Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual Employees Association. The organization named the prize after John Berry.
John Berry: Previous Tenure:
Previously, Berry was executive director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a congressionally chartered nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the nation’s wildlife resources. During his five year tenure, Berry managed an annual operating budget of $9.5 million and a 75-member staff in six regional centers.
John Berry: Washington Native:
Berry, a native of northwest Washington, earned a bachelor’s degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland, summa cum laude, in 1980 and a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University in 1981. In 1996, Berry’s companion of 11 years, Thomas Leishman, died of AIDS.
President Obama: On John Berry:
President Obama says of Berry, "From turning around the National Zoo to fostering a more productive work environment at the Department of the Interior, John Berry has a tremendous record of effective management in key public service roles. I'm confident that he will provide that same leadership at OPM to help ensure that government works for the American people the way it should."
