MTA Names New Chief Diversity Officer
This past Friday, the MTA issued a press release via e-mail. The release was to announce that they named a new Chief Diversity Officer. Here are the complete details:
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the appointment of Michael J. Garner as Chief Diversity Officer, effective February 5th. In this new position, Mr. Garner is responsible for the development and expansion of Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise programs; MWBE/DBE Contract Integrity Monitoring functions; Title VI and Equal Employment Opportunity responsibilities; and other existing activities and functions of the Office of Civil Rights. As Chief Diversity Officer, Garner will report directly to MTA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Elliot G. Sander.
“Michael has more than twenty years of experience in developing and creating business opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses to foster economic development and bring new jobs to New York,” said Elliot G. Sander, the MTA’s Executive Director and CEO. “Tapping into this vast array of new and emerging entrepreneurs is critical to strengthening our economy as we compete in a truly global marketplace.”
As Senior Director of Business Development at the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA), Mr. Garner was responsible for the short and long term business development of qualified emerging Minority, Women-Owned and Locally Based Business Enterprises (MWLBEs). Under his direction, the SCA created one of the most comprehensive small business development and inclusion programs in the nation including implementation of a Graduate Mentor Program; creation of a surety bonding program, which provided surety bonds to 22 MWLBEs totaling $56 million.
Mr. Garner also oversaw the implementation of a small business loan program, that provided 44 small business loans to MWLBEs totaling $4 million and the implementation of an extensive construction and information technology training program tailored to the SCA’s Construction Means and Methods.
“I am honored to join the MTA and play a key role in helping minority and women-owned businesses tap into new markets and meet their full potential,” Mr. Garner said. “For the MTA, providing transportation as well as business development opportunities to the most diverse population in the world should go hand-in-hand.”
Prior to his 15-year career at the SCA, Garner’s work at the New York City Housing Authority included certification of firms, contract compliance, minority and women-owned business development outreach and procurement management.
Mr. Garner received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from the State University of New York, College @ Buffalo and is close to completing his studies for a Master of Business Administration from SUNY.
Congratulations to Michael J. Garner for being named the new Chief Diversity Officer. Lets hope his tenure is smooth & productive.
xoxo Transit Blogger
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