illi News - Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Appoints Sharla Roberts As Chief Procurement Officer

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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced the appointment of Sharla Roberts as the new Commissioner of the Department of Procurement Services. In this role, Roberts will be responsible for overseeing the city's contracting, certification, and compliance operations.

Roberts brings a wealth of experience to her new position. She previously served as the director of procurement diversity at the University of Illinois, where she successfully increased the university's diversity spending from $50 million to $113 million over a five-year period. Prior to that, she held the position of chief diversity officer at the State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services. With her extensive background in both the public and private sectors, Roberts has spearheaded significant initiatives for economic development and diversity.

In her previous role at the University of Illinois, Roberts established the Diverse Supplier Development Program, which aimed to empower diverse businesses and create a more inclusive economy through capacity building. She also created the first "sheltered market" contract exclusively for minorities and women in information technology in the State of Illinois. Her efforts have been recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as one of their Notable Leaders in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for 2023.

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Mayor Johnson expressed his excitement about Roberts joining his team, stating that she has long been a champion for diverse economic empowerment. He believes that her expertise and dedication to diversity, transparency, and innovation will greatly benefit the Chicago Department of Procurement Services.

Roberts' contributions extend beyond her professional roles. She has played pivotal roles in various organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth and job creation for small and diverse businesses in Chicago. She has collaborated with entities such as World Business Chicago, West Side Total Health Collaborative, and West Side United to develop transformative programs that have had a lasting impact on underrepresented communities.

In response to her appointment, Roberts expressed her profound honor and excitement to continue expanding upon Mayor Johnson's initiatives to increase diverse contracting in Chicago. She is committed to using her expertise and experience to further advance the city's Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs.

With her extensive background and dedication to promoting diversity and economic empowerment, Sharla Roberts is poised to make a significant impact as the new Commissioner of the Department of Procurement Services in Chicago. Mayor Johnson's decision to appoint her has been met with enthusiasm and support from both the public and private sectors.

Filed Under: Government, City

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