WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer issued the following statement regarding the death of former U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman:“We were saddened to hear of the passing of Alexis M. Herman on April 25. Her career was defined by her commitment to public service and her dedication to American workers. After previously working at the department, Herman became the U.S. Secretary of Labor from May 1, 1997, to Jan. 20, 2001 – the first African American to do so. As a leader in business, government, and her community, she was a trailblazer who dedicated her life to strengthening America’s workforce and creating better lives for hardworking families. All of us at the Department of Labor are grateful to Herman for her service and leadership, and we extend our sympathy to her family and many friends.”