Fair Labor Association welcomes new Board Chair Chris Lu

Former Ambassador, Deputy Secretary of Labor will lead board dedicated to improving the lives of workers worldwide

WASHINGTON, DC, October 1, 2025 — The Fair Labor Association (FLA) today announced that former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations for Management and Reform Chris Lu has been selected to chair the FLA Board of Directors, effective November 1, 2025. Lu will succeed Michael Posner, who has served as FLA Board Chair since 2017.

“I am thrilled that Chris has agreed to serve as FLA’s board chair,” said Posner, who led the search process. “He brings a lifelong commitment to public service and has served with great distinction in senior roles in both national and international affairs. At this challenging time, when vulnerable workers are not getting the protections they deserve, Chris’ principled pragmatism is exactly what is needed to lead FLA forward to meet this moment.”  

“For more than a quarter-century, the Fair Labor Association has brought together corporations, universities, and civil society organizations to fight for better working conditions around the world,” said Lu. “From raising wages and working conditions in factories and fields, to combating child and forced labor, FLA has tackled some of the most critical labor issues by promoting transparency, accountability, and education. I look forward to building on Mike Posner’s impressive record of success as we work towards a more fair labor future.”

In his new role, Lu will lead FLA’s Board of Directors as it develops policies to hold companies accountable to their commitments on labor rights and support innovation that leads to concrete improvements in the lives of workers around the world. With more than 200 members based in 21 countries, FLA has united companies, universities, and civil society organizations that are committed to protecting workers’ rights through adherence to international labor standards since it was founded in 1999.

“Chris has a strong record of consensus-building and strategic leadership on both labor and international affairs, and he brings insight into key trends that will shape FLA’s work going forward,” said FLA President and CEO Jeff Vockrodt. “With his experience, expertise, and personal commitment to empowering workers, he will help us continue to move the organization forward, building on Mike’s legacy as chair and making a difference in the lives of millions of workers who might otherwise be underpaid, overworked, and overlooked.”

Lu served most recently as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations for Management and Reform, where he led negotiations on the UN budget, coordinated oversight of UN programs, served as the U.S. Mission’s liaison to the private sector, and managed cross-cutting issues, including global AI policy.

“At the United Nations, Chris helped navigate some of the world’s most complex challenges, including leading the first-ever UN resolution on artificial intelligence – a true milestone,” said former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield. “His gift for diplomacy and bridge-building, along with his creativity and persistence, will serve him well as he takes on the chairmanship of the Fair Labor Association.”

From 2014 to 2017, Lu served as the Deputy Secretary of Labor, where he worked with a broad range of stakeholders to advance the Labor Department’s mission, and served as the Department’s chief operating officer, overseeing its 17,000 employees and $12 billion budget.

“Chris was an indispensable partner in driving pro-worker policies,” said former Secretary of Labor Tom Perez. “He is a thoughtful leader who knows how to bring people together to solve tough problems. The Fair Labor Association will benefit enormously from his vision and steady hand.”

Lu’s previous roles include White House Cabinet Secretary, executive director of the 2008 presidential transition, legislative director for then-Senator Obama, deputy chief counsel to the House Oversight Committee, and law clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He is currently the James R. Schlesinger Distinguished Professor at the University of Virginia Miller Center, a position he will continue to hold while serving as FLA Board Chair.

Lu currently is a member of the Human Rights Advisory Council at Microsoft and previously served on the board of the American Sustainable Business Network. He is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School.

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The Fair Labor Association (FLA) promotes human rights at work. We are an international network of companies, universities, and civil society organizations collaborating to ensure that millions of people working at the world’s factories and farms are paid fairly and protected from risks to their health, safety, and well-being.

CONTACT:
Stacy Hope
communications@fairlabor.org

Additional Support for Lu’s Appointment

Guy Ryder, Former Director-General, International Labor Organization (ILO): “Working alongside Chris at the ILO, I saw how deeply he cares about bringing together workers, employers, and governments to improve labor standards. He has a real gift for listening, finding common ground, and turning that into results, and I’m delighted that he’s been chosen to chair the Fair Labor Association.”

Cathy Feingold, Director, AFL-CIO International Department: “Chris understands deeply that raising labor standards for workers around the world benefits workers here at home. His commitment to concrete improvements for workers, along with his economic and international affairs expertise, makes him an important ally on labor rights and labor standards.”

Whitney Young Baird, President and CEO, U.S. Council for International Business: “Chris is a thoughtful diplomat who understands the needs and contributions of the private sector. In his time at the United Nations, he helped ensure that the business voice was in the room for important conversations so that we could work collaboratively with all stakeholders to achieve meaningful results on critical economic issues.”

David Levine, Co-founder & President, American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN): “Chris has long been a champion of fair labor practices and sustainable business. As a board member of ASBN, he helped advance a vision of values-driven workplaces that benefits both businesses and workers. We are thrilled to see him bring this experience and commitment to his new role as chair of the Fair Labor Association.”

Kelly Fay Rodriguez, former U.S. State Department Special Representative for International Labor Affairs: “Chris brings strategic leadership and expertise in foreign policy, economics and labor standards to this new role, but he also brings real hands-on experience from working with worker leaders and companies to achieve systemic progress over the years. His vision and experience will help serve workers and businesses alike with improving labor conditions and sustainability in global supply chains.”

Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06): “I commend the selection of Chris Lu as the next Chair of the Board at the Fair Labor Association. Throughout his career, Chris has worked tirelessly to uplift forgotten communities and expand economic opportunity. I am confident that his dedication to these values will continue as he leads the Fair Labor Association’s efforts to strengthen working conditions in the footwear, apparel, and agricultural industries.”