Michael L. Simms has been appointed director of the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP), effective immediately. Simms has served as acting director of the office since December 2023, following the retirement of OHREP’s former director, Kenneth Saunders.

OHREP receives and investigates complaints alleging violations of the Fairfax County Human Rights Ordinance and manages the county’s Fair Housing Plan. OHREP also administers the county’s Equal Employment Enforcement program and ensures compliance with all federal, state, and county mandates granting equal access to services, programs and employment opportunities.

Simms brings a diverse background to the role. In 2013 he was promoted to senior human rights consultant with OHREP, managing the office’s mediation and conciliation program, the county’s federal contract with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, reviewing all investigations conducted by the office to ensure consistency with local, state and federal laws, and enforcing the county’s human rights ordinance. Simms also served as liaison to various state and federal agencies and conducted trainings for employees and the public on human rights issues and related legal considerations.

Simms has previous experience in law enforcement including more than a decade as a sergeant with the Contra Costa County, Ca. Sheriff's Office and in the United States Air Force.

In 1998 he began his career with Fairfax County as a senior zoning inspector in the Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) and later as a planner, also with DPZ. Since 2007 Simms has been with OHREP, beginning as a human rights specialist, a role that included analyzing discrimination complaints, conducting investigations and mediating resolutions.

Simms has a bachelor’s in information systems from Strayer University. He has received several awards and recognition for his work, including the John Levitow Award from the U.S. Air Force, and a Sheriff's Commendation. ​