DALLAS - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today announced the selection of Belinda McCallister as the new director of its El Paso Area Office, which is part of the agency's Dallas District.

"I am very pleased that we were able to hire someone of Belinda's quality and experience for this position," said Janet Elizondo, director of the EEOC's Dallas District. "She is an outstanding manager and leader. I know she and her staff will serve the people of El Paso, western Texas and southern New Mexico well."

McCallister has 25 years experience in the area of employment discrimination. Prior to her selection as area director, McCallister worked as an enforcement supervisor in the EEOC's Dallas District Office, where she gained an extensive knowledge of the investigative process.

McCallister said, "The El Paso office has enjoyed many accomplishments. I hope to build on that good work and help the office continue to make a difference in the communities we serve."

The EEOC's El Paso Office takes and investigates charges of employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability and genetic information, and it covers a geographic area that includes El Paso, western Texas, including Lubbock, and the southern half of New Mexico.

The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws against employment discrimination. Further information about the agency is available at www.eeoc.gov.