The Washington Civil Rights Advisory Committee (CRAC) is a group of very dedicated employees who strive to make NRCS a fair and equitable place to work and do business. Our vision : A quality workforce providing natural resource stewardship through quality customer service.
Our Mission
The mission of the Washington State Civil Rights Committee is to advise, assist, and apprise leadership in all matters related to civil rights in order to effect enhancement, edification, and expansion of affirmative employment and program delivery.
Civil Rights Advisory Committee Facts
What the Committee Does Do:
- Serves as an advisory body to the NRCS Deputy Equal Employment Opportunity Officer (DEOO). The STC is the DEOO for NRCS in Washington.
- Makes recommendations to the DEOO regarding policies, practices, and procedures as they affect equal opportunity and civil rights.
- Identifies emerging Equal Opportunity Program areas needing the DEOO's attention.
- Assists the DEOO in the development of an Affirmative Employment Program and Outreach Plan for Washington.
- Provides assistance to the DEOO in assessing the progress being made on action items in the Affirmative Employment Program.
- Serves as a sounding board to concerns and problems presented by NRCS employees.
- Makes recommendations to the DEOO regarding ways to address employee concerns and problems.
- Provides information to NRCS personnel about the Equal Opportunity Program, Affirmative Employment Program action items and work being done by the Committee.
- Directs employees needing Equal Opportunity information or assistance to the proper official.
What the Committee Does NOT Do:
- It does not assume the role of the DEOO.
- It does not establish Equal Opportunity policies, programs, or procedures.
- It does not involve itself in specific cases of the EEO Complaint Process or the Grievance System.
- It does not serve as a rubber stamp for existing personnel procedures and systems.
Washington State Civil Rights Advisory Committee (CRAC) members
The CRAC is designed to provide management officials and employees with a vehicle that enhances and fulfills their equal employment opportunity and program delivery responsibilities. Members of the CRAC will carry out their responsibilities consistent with USDA policies, procedures, and practices regarding employment and program delivery, which are nondiscriminatory with regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, political beliefs, parental status, protected genetic information, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. The CRAC provides assistance in the areas of policy formulation, program direction and administration.
Special Emphasis Programs
The Special Emphasis Programs address the unique concerns of these groups in achieving diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
Program Emphasis and Contact
- American Indian/Alaska Native (AIANPM): Hannah Tomlinson 509-422-2750
- Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPIPM): Na Yang 509-323-2937
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+): Angela Williams 509-552-8166
- Black Emphasis Program Manager (BEPM): Joshua Hall 425-595-3282
- Disability Emphasis Program Manager (DEPM): Rich Edlund 509-381-6727
- Veteran's Emphasis Program Manager (VEPM): Toby Rodgers (Chair Person) 360-488-4825
- Federal Women's Program Manager (FWPM): Lauren Samaniego 509-725-4501 ext. 115
- Hispanic Emphasis Program Manager (HEPM): Joe Navarro 509-416-5711
- Deputy Equal Opportunity Officer: Roylene Comes at Night 509-323-2901
- State Civil Rights Program Manager/Advisor: Nick Vira 360-704-7758
- East Area Representative: Katy Martin 509-956-3765
- Central Area Representative: Vacant
- West Area Representative: Erin Gutierrez 360-704-7742
- State Civil Outreach Advisor: Kris Mills (Co-Chair Person) 509-323-2928