Commission resumes work after shutdown; notes reappointments and staff retirements

Chair Rochelle Garza opened the Jan. 16 meeting by noting the commission’s return to operations after an extended government shutdown and by framing the year’s priorities: protect the commission’s independence, elevate state advisory committee work, and ensure investigations respond to urgent civil rights challenges.

Garza announced communications about commissioner reappointments: the White House informed the commission that Commissioner Christian Adams of Virginia and Commissioner Steven Gilchrist of South Carolina were reappointed to six-year terms expiring in 2031; a congressional record entry listed the reappointment of Peter n Curcenau of Ohio to a term expiring in 2031. She said the commission will continue work on language access (a report expected for final review and vote in February) and on an investigation into mental health in the juvenile justice system, with a planned public briefing and listening session in June 2026.

Garza also recognized three staff members who announced retirements: Pam Dunson (37 years of federal service), Teresa Adams (24 years), and Mark Spencer, who returned to the commission in 2022 to lead the commission on the social status of black men and boys. The chair and several commissioners thanked the retirees for a combined 66 years of federal service.

Acting Staff Director Merrick Xavier Brier delivered the monthly staff director’s report but said he had no further items beyond the written report and offered to take questions.

The meeting concluded with Chair Garza reading words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and adjourning at 10:42 a.m. Eastern.

No formal personnel votes or changes were recorded during the meeting; reappointment notices were described as communications received from the White House and in the congressional record.