Mayor de Blasio Announces Appointment of Chief Diversity Officer at Every City Agency

August 28, 2020

NEW YORK—Mayor de Blasio today announced that a Chief Diversity Officer, who will also serve as Chief MWBE Officer, has been appointed at every City agency. On July 28th, the Mayor signed an executive order to establish this role, along with measures to strengthen the City’s utilization of Minority and Women-Owned Businesses.

“Our Minority and Women-Owned Businesses are the core of our economy, and they have built New York City into what it is today,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I am proud to announce that a Chief Diversity Officer will be available at every single City agency to ensure they have the support they need.”

“New York City will do everything we can to make sure our MWBEs thrive,” said Magalie Austin, Senior Advisor and Director of the Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. “These appointments are a commitment to providing support for our M/WBEs and ensuring that we are rebuilding and recovering with equity.”

The recently announced Executive Order 59 codifies best practices across the City as it relates to M/WBE utilization. In addition to requiring the implementation of best M/WBE practices citywide, EO 59 contributes to an environment of increased opportunities for M/WBEs and prioritizes the importance of accountability in leadership with respect to M/WBE goals.

The Chief Diversity Officeres/Chief MWBE Officers will ensure agencies apply creative thinking and executive authority to increase M/WBE participation and realize each agency’s diversity and inclusion goals. The CDO/CMO is a key member of executive leadership at each agency and works closely with the Agency Chief Contracting Office. The Officer also functions as a key liaison between the Agency’s Executive Team, Program units, M/WBEs, and other external stakeholders. The CDO is responsible for ensuring that the agency’s procurement practices are aligned with the M/WBE Program.