For Immediate Release: 1/15/2016 10:59 am
Worcester, MA (January 15, 2016) - City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. announced today that he has selected Dr. Malika Carter as the City of Worcester's first Chief Diversity Officer.
Most recently the Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Services at the University of North Dakota, Dr. Carter has more than 10 years' experience developing policies and programs that will help Worcester meet its goals of being an inclusive and diverse city government. She will start work in February.
The Chief Diversity Officer position was established as part of an overarching strategy outlined by the City Manager to create a more diverse and inclusive approach to city government. While the City will always hire the most qualified candidate for a position, the Chief Diversity Officer will work to broaden the pool of candidates for city jobs to groups that have been traditionally underrepresented.
"Being an increasingly diverse city, it's important we recruit a workforce that reflects the community we serve," said City Manager Augustus. "I believe this position will be critical in making sure that happens."
The main duties of the position will include developing and monitoring recruiting, hiring, training, promoting and retaining strategies to increase the number of people from underrepresented groups who work and volunteer for the City. Dr. Carter will also oversee the development and implementation of the City's Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity and Inclusion Plan and making sure that the City is in compliance with all federal, state and local Equal Employment Opportunity laws. She will also serve as the administrative liaison to the newly restructured Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, formerly the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee.
Possessing a strong understanding of issues facing underrepresented populations, Dr. Carter has worked her entire career to build cultural competency, improve relations and collaboration among people of diverse backgrounds.
Dr. Carter has her PhD in Institutional Analysis from North Dakota State University, a Masters in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from the University of Vermont and a BS in Middle Childhood Education from Cleveland State University.
Dr. Carter was selected after a lengthy and inclusive review process whereby candidates were evaluated by a newly developed rubric hiring system. The job description was created based on input from the City of Worcester Human Rights Commission, as well as the public.
"I am excited to serve in the inaugural position of Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Worcester. Serving as the City's executive level diversity and inclusion strategist, my role will be diverse. Tasks will include steering programs, activities and initiatives designed to foster a climate that respects pluralism and diversity - resulting in a trust-based inclusive environment where citizens feel connected. I pledge to continue building a diverse and inclusive atmosphere that allows all - regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, disability or other characteristics - to bring their whole selves to work and play in the Worcester community; so they can contribute their best. Let's work together. I look forward to seeing you at the table of human interaction," said Dr. Carter.
