Michael Murray
Director, Employer Policy Team, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
Michael is the Director of the Employer Policy Team at the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). In this role, Michael is responsible for ensuring that ODEP’s policies and practices address the needs of employers, and building coalitions with the business sector to promote disability employment. Michael’s drive for inclusion is fueled by his experience as a person with a learning disability, ADHD and an anxiety disorder.
Previously, Michael was a Deputy Director at the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), driving highly successful government-wide workforce initiatives with various diverse communities. At OPM, Michael was also responsible for steering and designing the government-wide policies and programs of 56 Federal agencies throughout the country to increase Federal employment of individuals with disabilities. By fostering teamwork and collaboration, Michael led the Federal government to successfully exceed historic records for the employment of people with disabilities.
Before joining OPM, Michael was the Chief Operating Officer for the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), supporting private sector employers in creating innovative and high performing teams. On the state level, Michael advocated for the rights of people with disabilities as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Disability Action Network. His vision for the organization and strength as a grassroots organizer amplified the voice of people with disabilities at the North Carolina General Assembly, producing positive systematic change. Michael also led efforts at Disability Rights N.C.; a local Center for Independent Living; and as vice-chair of the Statewide Independent Living Council. At the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Michael and his colleagues established Beyond Academics, now our Nation’s largest post-secondary education program for people with intellectual disabilities. Michael is fluent in American Sign Language and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education.
