ROCKVILLE, MD — President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas (Little Rock) Brian Itzkowitz has been named to serve on the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Advisory Committee on Increasing Competitive Integrated Employment for Individuals with Disabilities. The committee is a key component of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which was signed into law by President Obama in July 2014 to help job seekers — including those with disabilities — access necessary services to advance their careers.
“I am honored and excited to be a part of this advisory committee,” said Itzkowitz. “As a longtime member of the Goodwill®, I understand the power of work to build strong families and better communities.”
The advisory committee, which consists of both federal officials and private citizens, provides guidance to the Secretary of Labor on ways to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It also advises the Secretary on the use and oversight of the certificate program carried out under section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act for the employment of individuals with disabilities. Itzkowitz’s term on the advisory committee began in January 2015, and the panel will end following the submission of a final report of its findings, conclusions and recommendations.
“Being a member of the committee will help me to further assist the approximately 80 percent of people with disabilities who don’t participate in the labor force,” said Itzkowitz. “I hope that the final recommendations of this committee will result in sound policies that will create more opportunities and reflect the enlightened attitudes of Americans towards those that face barriers to employment and independence.”
Itzkowitz has served Goodwill for nearly 20 years, having worked in positions in southwest Florida and Baltimore before taking his current leadership role in Arkansas in 2008. In addition to serving as the vice chair of Goodwill Industries International’s board of directors, Itzkowitz is active in several professional and community service organizations in Little Rock, and he was honored as the 2013 Arkansas Business Nonprofit Executive of the Year.
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