Patricia St. Clair

In this capacity, she leads the Department’s efforts to broaden participation in federal procurement by small, minority owned, women owned, veteran owned, HUBZone, and other disadvantaged businesses. She provides strategic leadership that brings together policy, partnership, and practice to create a fair and open environment where qualified businesses may compete and contribute to the important work of the Department. Through her guidance, OSDBU strengthens its service to the business community and supports USDA missions across the nation.

Before assuming this role, Ms. St. Clair served as the Associate Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. In this position, she oversaw programs dedicated to the enforcement of federal civil rights laws including Title VI, Title VII, Title VIII, and Title IX. She guided the Department’s civil rights compliance activities and led efforts to identify and address areas of operational risk. She also provided direction for programs responsible for employment related processes and resolution efforts within the Department. Her work was defined by a sincere commitment to supporting both the workforce of the Department and the public it serves.

Prior to joining USDA in January 2025, Ms. St. Clair served as a Senior Executive at the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She directed national programs addressing Title VII, the Rehabilitation Act, ADEA, ADA, PWFA, and GINA across fifteen district offices and one field office. Her portfolio included leadership of the EEOC Training Institute, External Partnerships and Engagement, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and several internal program functions. She brought to this work a steady administrative approach, a spirit of constructive engagement, and an appreciation for the important role these programs play in public service.

Ms. St. Clair is a graduate of Tulane Law School. She is active in public service and community life and is a member of the New York State and District of Columbia Bar Associations, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and the Junior League of Washington DC. Her career reflects a sincere respect for service, a dedication to public purpose, and an enduring belief in the value of thoughtful and purposeful leadership.