Anita Pinder
Anita Pinder is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Anita provides agency-wide leadership and advice on issues related to equal employment opportunity, civil rights, and the prevention of workplace harassment. She is involved in formulating and establishing policies and guidance regarding EEO and civil rights issues. She manages the agency’s EEO training program as well as the administration of the EEO compliance and reasonable accommodation programs.
Before joining the Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights, Anita worked in the Office of Operations Management. There she was responsible for key projects concerning recruitment, human capital management, and policy development. While working in CMS’ Center for Medicaid and State Operations (now the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services), her focus was on family and children’s health programs. She also worked in the Labor and Employee Relations Office and served as a facilitator in a variety of forums including contract negotiations. Anita also served as an organization development consultant and received certifications in personal and organizational change management and high performance leadership. She has worked with a variety of teams and government agencies on team building, strategic planning, change management, and project planning.
Anita earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She holds a graduate certificate in Leadership Development from the Johns Hopkins University and a Master’s degree in Aging.
Alaina Jenkins
Alaina Jenkins is the Deputy Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Alaina shares full responsibility with the Director for providing leadership and executive direction on issues related to equal employment opportunity, civil rights, reasonable accommodation, and the prevention of workplace harassment. Alaina earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Statistics from The American University. She holds a Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from Johns Hopkins University (JHU). While at JHU, she also completed 16 credits in the doctoral program in Biostatistics and earned certification in Leadership Development.
OEOCR Functional Statement
- Provides CMS-wide leadership and advice on issues of diversity, civil rights, and promotion of a supportive work environment for CMS employees.
- Develops, implements and manages affirmative employment programs. Provides principal advisory, advocacy, and liaison services for the Administrator to CMS leadership and employees concerning equality in employment related issues to ensure a diverse workforce.
- Develops Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and civil rights compliance policy for CMS. Assesses CMS' compliance with applicable civil rights statutes, executive orders, regulations, policies, and programs.
- Identifies policy and operational issues and proposes solutions for resolving these issues in partnership with management, Office of the General Counsel, and other organizational entities.
- Receives and evaluates complaints for procedural sufficiency; investigates, adjudicates and resolves such complaints.
- Promotes the representation of minority groups, women, and individuals with disabilities through community outreach and other activities.
- Resolves informal discrimination complaints by means of EEO counseling and/or Alternative Dispute Resolution.
- Develops and analyzes data for internal and external reports reflecting the diversity of CMS' workforce and fairness in employment related actions. Makes recommendations to management on changes needed to ensure equal employment opportunity in every respect.
- Serves as the internal advocate for civil rights and related principles. Provides training, seminars, and technical guidance to CMS staff.