Maryland Department of Labor Announces Two New Commissioner Appointments
The positions will lead the Industry Development and Professional Licensing Divisions
BALTIMORE, MD (May 18, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Labor today announced two leadership appointments: Devki Virk as Commissioner of Labor and Industry, and John C. Dove as Commissioner of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
“We are excited to have Commissioner Virk and Commissioner Dove John join the agency,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “Their experience will greatly contribute to our work to serve Marylanders and advance Governor Moore’s vision to make Maryland a great place to live, work, and do business.”
Devki Virk is a Takoma Park resident and has represented workers and international and local unions throughout her career. As an attorney, she focused on issues including fair representation, equal opportunity, and enforcing labor contracts. As Commissioner, Virk will oversee the Division of Labor and Industry, which is responsible for enforcing worker classification laws, employment standards (including minimum wage, prevailing wage, and safety and health standards), building codes, and other safety standards. Ms. Virk will serve as the first woman appointed to be Commissioner of Labor and Industry in the division’s nearly 140-year history. She graduated from the University of Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature and a law degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
“I have been committed to workplace fairness and equality throughout my career,” said Devki Virk, Commissioner of Labor and Industry. “I look forward to working with Secretary Wu, the administration, and General Assembly to protect workplace rights for Marylanders.”
John C. Dove served in the United States Marine Corps and was a captain and logistics officer managing the daily operations and deployments to the Middle East, Central America, South America, and Africa. He spent decades in the private sector leading large teams to facilitate training, licensing, and contract development for businesses across the Washington, DC - Baltimore region. Mr. Dove is an Anne Arundel County resident and received a bachelor’s degree from the United States Naval Academy in economics and general engineering and a master’s degree in business administration from Loyola College of Maryland. As head of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Commissioner Dove will oversee 21 licensing boards, commissions, and programs and will regulate the activities of more than 255,000 individuals and businesses across 25 professions.
“My service in the United States Marine Corps and the private sector has uniquely positioned me to lead this division within the Maryland Department of Labor,” said John C. Dove Commissioner of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. “My objectives are to advance Governor Moore’s mission to foster economic growth, protect the health, safety, and welfare of Marylanders, and administer the standards of licensee expertise.”
The Maryland Department of Labor is committed to safeguarding and protecting Marylanders. We're proud to support the economic stability of the state by providing businesses, the workforce and the consuming public with high quality customer-focused regulatory, employment and training services. For updates and information, follow Labor on Twitter, Facebook, and visit our website.
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