What if the key to bridging America’s growing wealth gap lies in giving workers a direct stake in their companies? Picture a landscape where businesses thrive not just for executives but for every employee, creating resilience and equity in an uncertain economy. The Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX), a nonprofit driving this vision, has taken a bold step by welcoming Lisa M. Gomez, a titan in employee benefits law and former Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Labor, to its Board of Directors. Her arrival marks a pivotal moment for the movement, promising to amplify the push for worker empowerment on a national scale.
This development isn’t just another board appointment; it’s a signal of intent. With wealth inequality at historic highs—where the top 1% own more wealth than the bottom 90%—employee ownership stands as a proven model to redistribute prosperity and stabilize communities. EOX, through its 24 state centers, is already a leader in this space, but Gomez’s expertise elevates the stakes. Her influence could reshape how businesses transition to employee-owned models, offering a blueprint for economic justice that policymakers and entrepreneurs can’t ignore.
A New Era for Worker Empowerment
The addition of Lisa M. Gomez to EOX’s board ushers in a transformative chapter for the organization. Known for her nearly three decades of leadership in employee benefits law, Gomez brings a depth of experience that aligns perfectly with the nonprofit’s mission to expand employee ownership across the United States. Her presence is seen as a catalyst for accelerating the adoption of these models at a time when businesses face mounting pressure to prioritize sustainability and equity.
This shift comes as EOX continues to build momentum through its network of state centers, each dedicated to educating and supporting companies in transitioning to employee ownership. Gomez’s strategic insight, honed through years of navigating complex regulatory landscapes, positions her as a guiding force in scaling these efforts. The potential for broader impact is immense, especially as more industries recognize the long-term benefits of empowering their workforce with ownership stakes.
The Urgency of Employee Ownership Today
In an economy where job insecurity looms large and the wealth gap continues to widen, employee ownership offers a tangible solution. Studies from the National Center for Employee Ownership reveal that employee-owned companies often see a 14% higher productivity rate compared to traditional firms, alongside better retention and engagement. This model not only fortifies businesses against economic downturns but also ensures workers share in the financial rewards, addressing systemic inequality head-on.
EOX stands at the forefront of this movement, advocating for policies and practices that make employee ownership accessible to diverse businesses. With Gomez now on board, her federal perspective—gained from overseeing benefits for over 150 million workers—adds a critical layer of credibility and urgency to these efforts. Her involvement signals a growing recognition among leaders that empowering workers isn’t just ethical; it’s a smart economic strategy for building resilient communities.
Gomez’s Distinct Role in EOX’s Mission
Few board members bring the unique blend of expertise and passion that Lisa M. Gomez offers to EOX. Her career spans high-level public service and private legal practice, including a pivotal role as Assistant Secretary for Employee Benefits Security, where she shaped policies impacting millions. This background equips her to navigate the intricate legal and regulatory challenges that often hinder businesses from adopting employee ownership structures.
Beyond technical know-how, Gomez’s legacy includes launching the Employee Ownership Initiative and establishing the first Division of Employee Ownership at the Department of Labor. These milestones shifted federal focus toward proactive education, a strategy that could inspire similar innovations at EOX. Her ability to connect with both workers and business owners on a personal level further enhances her capacity to advocate for practical, impactful change within the organization’s growing network.
Additionally, Gomez’s influence is expected to strengthen EOX’s ability to shape national conversations around workplace equity. Her nuanced understanding of how policy intersects with real-world needs positions her as a bridge between government, industry, and communities. This dynamic perspective could redefine how employee ownership is perceived and implemented across varied sectors.
Perspectives on Gomez’s Potential Impact
Confidence in Gomez’s ability to drive change resonates strongly among EOX’s leadership. Executive Director Steve Storkan describes her addition as a game-changer, noting that she joins a board already rich with talent from business, academia, and finance. “Her expertise raises the bar for what a nonprofit board can achieve,” Storkan emphasizes, highlighting the strategic advantage her presence offers.
Board Co-Chair Jim Steiker shares this enthusiasm, pointing to Gomez’s empathy as a standout quality. “She validates the progress of the employee ownership movement with her commitment to understanding the human side of business,” Steiker notes. This sentiment is mirrored by Gomez herself, who has articulated a deep belief in the power of ownership to transform lives, stating, “Giving workers a real say and stake in their company’s success can be transformative.”
These voices collectively underscore a shared vision for what Gomez can accomplish at EOX. Her alignment with the organization’s goals, coupled with her proven track record, fuels optimism that her tenure will mark a turning point in expanding access to employee ownership for countless workers and businesses nationwide.
Strategies Gomez Could Drive Forward
With Gomez’s expertise in tow, EOX is well-positioned to pursue innovative strategies that could redefine the employee ownership landscape. One potential focus is policy advocacy, where her federal experience could help craft legislation that eases the transition for businesses adopting these models. Bridging the gap between regulatory frameworks and practical application might become a cornerstone of her contributions over the coming years.
Another likely priority is expanding educational outreach through EOX’s state centers. Drawing from her past efforts at the Department of Labor, Gomez could spearhead programs that demystify employee ownership for small and medium-sized enterprises, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to make the shift. Such initiatives would directly address barriers like lack of awareness or perceived complexity that often deter companies from exploring this path.
Finally, fostering collaborative growth stands as a promising avenue. Gomez’s knack for uniting diverse stakeholders—business leaders, policymakers, and community advocates—could lead to powerful partnerships that amplify EOX’s reach. By leveraging these connections, she might help position employee ownership as a mainstream solution, driving adoption rates and creating a ripple effect of economic empowerment across regions.
Looking back, the appointment of Lisa M. Gomez to EOX’s Board of Directors proved to be a defining moment for the employee ownership movement. Her unparalleled expertise and dedication to worker empowerment had set a strong foundation for transformative change. Moving forward, stakeholders were encouraged to closely monitor the evolving strategies at EOX, particularly in policy advocacy and educational outreach. Businesses considering sustainable models were urged to explore employee ownership resources through state centers, while policymakers had a unique opportunity to collaborate on legislation that supported equitable growth. The path ahead held promise, with Gomez’s influence poised to inspire a broader shift toward workplaces where every employee shared in the success they helped build.
