Secretary Chao's Tenure

The week of May 12, Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao passes former Secretary James P. Mitchell in length of tenure — and becomes the fourth longest-serving Secretary of Labor in history — and the longest serving since Frances Perkins. Secretary Mitchell served as President Eisenhower’s Secretary of Labor from 1953 to 1961.

The five Secretaries with the longest tenures at the Department of Labor are:

• Frances Perkins
• James J. Davis
• William B. Wilson
• Elaine L. Chao
• James P. Mitchell

For information of all the Secretaries of Labor, please visit the Hall of the Secretaries of Labor.