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State Has New Diversity Leader
Expect more of an effort to give women- and minority-owned businesses a shot at state building projects. A longtime staffer of the Capital Development Board is now part of Gov. Pat Quinn's office as "director of diversity enhancement."

Darryl Harris says it's a great, new opportunity, "basically centralizing the different practices throughout the state," he said. "That is unique. That is something that had not been done prior. My primary responsibility will be to evaluate state agencies' internal practices and implementing enhanced processes or programs, particularly aimed at providing greater procurement and construction opportunities for minorities, and also women."

State agencies that include the Department of Transportation and Central Management Services have their own programs. Harris would provide few specifics other than he will be looking at everything in state construction contracts that has to do with helping the DB -- "disadvantaged business" -- community get a fair shake.

Harris says his main offices will be in Springfield and Chicago and he will make $110,000. He had been making $92,300 with the Capital Development Board, where he began in 1987 as a minority intern.

(Illinois Radio Network)
11 16 09 by Newsroom
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