'; ?>-->

Featured News

New NAGE General Counsel Gina Lightfoot Walker

NAGE Names New General Counsel

December 3, 2013

NAGE National President David J. Holway today announced the promotion of Gina Lightfoot Walker to the position of General Counsel. The announcement was made at the meeting of the National Executive Board. Former General Counsel Richard Barry assumed the position of Counsel to the President.

“I have the utmost confidence in Gina,” said Holway. “She has been an outstanding attorney and leader for this organization for more than a decade. Gina’s an unbelievably hard worker and stops at nothing to be sure that members have the best representation and support possible.”

In a statement—at times humorous, serious, and emotional—Gina thanked President Holway and Counselor Barry for their confidence in her and the solid support and mentoring they provided her over the years.

“I feel extremely honored to be taking on the position of General Counsel,” she said. “I am grateful to President Holway for giving me the opportunity to serve NAGE in this capacity.”

“I also feel overwhelmed,” she said. “When I think of filling Rick Barry’s shoes I become overwhelmed because I know I cannot fill his shoes. He probably wears a size 12. I only wear a size 8, sometimes 7 1/2. Rick is irreplaceable, but I intend to carry on what he has begun.

“As the new General Counsel, I intend to further the mission of NAGE by making sure the legal department has what it needs to do what it does best - fighting hard and fighting smart to ensure the best working conditions for all NAGE members and their families.

“I am also very, very humbled that President Holway chose me to help him make history. I am humbled to be the first woman in this position. I am humbled to be the first person of color in this position, and I hope I am not the last.”

The new Counsel to the President shared Gina’s promotion with great pride.

“I’ve been working with Gina for many years and I’ve watched her grow as an attorney and as a leader of this organization,” Barry said. “She is very capable, driven, and hardworking, and I have no doubt that she will lead our legal department with great passion and integrity. I’m very proud of Gina today and wish her great success.”

Also in her remarks to the board and guests, Gina made a point of graciously thanking her mother, godmother, and husband, who attended to share in the announcement of her promotion. She also expressed her great appreciation for the local leaders and NAGE staff she has worked with over the years.

Gina began her career with NAGE in April 2001 as an Assistant Regional Counsel in the Washington Regional Office. As an Assistant Regional Counsel, she assisted local officers and members with ULPs, arbitrations and contract negotiations. She litigated cases before the FLRA, EEOC, MSPB, DC Public Employees Relations Board, and DC Office of Employee Appeals.

Shortly after joining NAGE, she was promoted to Deputy General Counsel in the Legal Department. As one of two deputies, Gina was responsible for managing attorneys and their legal work in regional offices in Washington, DC, Atlanta, the Midwest and West Coast.

In 2007, Gina was promoted to Director of the Federal Division, in addition to maintaining her position as Deputy General Counsel. As Director, she managed a staff of lawyers, organizing and field representatives, regional coordinators, administrative assistants and a legislative and communication specialist. She serves as the federal adviser to the National President and the National Executive Board on policy issues related to labor and employment matters in the federal government.

Gina also serves as the President Holway's adviser on the National Council on Labor/Management Relations. She currently serves as the chair and adviser on labor/management partnerships and forums for the Federal Workers Alliance, a coalition of 22 federal labor organizations.