National Urban League: Shalanda Young's Historic Confirmation Brings Unmatched Skill & Experience to the Office of Management and Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 15, 2022) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial today hailed the Senate confirmation of Shalanda Young, the first Black woman to head the Office of Management and Budget, as historic and said she brings a wealth of skill and experience to the role.

“The enormous bipartisan respect Ms. Young has earned in her many years in staff leadership roles on the House Appropriations Committee, negotiating intricate spending packages through many of the nation’s worst crises, speaks volumes about her talent and mastery of fiscal issues,” Morial said. “Given the barriers that Black women face on Capitol Hill, her ascent is all the more commendable.”

The Senate confirmed Young by a vote of 61-36.

Morial, the former two-term mayor of New Orleans, noted with pride that Young hails from his home state of Louisiana and said she is a perfect example of what he called a “gumbo leader.”

“In Louisiana we know the key to a great gumbo is the blend of many different flavors and spices,” Morial said. “Ms. Young knows how to seek out the contributions of a broad coalition of experts and stakeholders to create the best possible outcomes.”

Morial further commended President Biden for delivering on his promise to create a government that is representative of the nation’s diversity.

“The remarkable contributions and abilities of Black women have been overlooked in Washington for far too long,” Morial said. “By elevating gifted and accomplished women and people of color to key positions, President Biden is creating a stronger and more resilient nation.”