On October 1, Joseph Seiner, professor of law and Oliver Ellsworth Professor of Federal Practice, was appointed as a presiding member of the U.S. Foreign Service Grievance Board (FSGB) by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.  

Established by Congress under Section 1105 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, the FSGB is an independent and objective body that addresses disputes involving the U.S. Foreign Service community.  

As a leading employment law expert and labor arbitrator, Seiner will help resolve workplace disputes during his two-year appointment as presiding chair of a rotating three-member panel.  He will work alongside Chairperson Charles M. Carron, Deputy Chair Wendela Moore and Executive Secretary Martin J. Aversa. 

In his letter of appointment, Blinken wrote he was “delighted to extend an invitation” to Seiner and is “confident (he will) make significant contributions to the Board.” 

“I was honored to be considered and appointed to this important position,” Seiner says. "I’m excited to help resolve disputes arising in the U.S. foreign affairs community, and to have the opportunity work with the superb staff at the FSGB and an incredibly accomplished group of U.S. foreign service dignitaries.”