On September 5, 2025, James Macy joined the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division as Acting Administrator pending confirmation of the Administrator.
Macy began his career as an intern for the Department of Labor in the Solicitor’s Office in Chicago while attending the University of Wisconsin Law School. After graduating, he worked at private law practices for more than 40 years at several major Milwaukee law firms, focusing almost exclusively on labor and employment matters. His portfolio included Fair Labor Standards Act matters, family and medical leave issues, collective bargaining, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, and more. He has also participated in law firm governance as a board of directors’ member, section head, and team leader over the years.
Macy has participated in many professional, community, and civic boards. These include education foundations, Chamber of Commerce-related boards and committees, Arts boards, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), various athletic boards, and an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with diverse abilities.