Jonnel Doris was appointed by Mayor de Blasio as the Commissioner for the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS).
He is responsible for running a dynamic City agency focused on equity of opportunity, that leads to economic self-sufficiency and mobility for New York City’s diverse communities. SBS actively connects New Yorkers to good jobs, creates stronger businesses, and builds a thriving economy in neighborhoods across the five boroughs.
Formerly, Doris served as the City’s first Senior Advisor and Director of the Mayor’s Office for Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE). Under Doris’ leadership, the City has more than doubled its certifications to 9,620 firms, tripled its utilization, and awarded more than $14.6 billion to M/WBEs.
Doris also led the City’s efforts to secure a $41 million investment from four city depository banks: Amalgamated, Bank of America, TD Bank, and Union Bank for low interest revolving loan funds. His engagement in business communities, city agencies, and both state and city legislatures has also influenced City efforts to pass critical state legislation that expands opportunities for M/WBEs.
Doris previously served as the first Chief Diversity Officer for the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR), which oversees New York State’s $4.4 billion recovery allocation for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, and Tropical Storm Lee.
At GOSR, Doris developed and implemented strategic initiatives resulting in increased utilization of state and federal M/WBEs and Section 3 businesses. He created the Office of Diversity and Civil Rights and developed GOSR’s award-winning Local Workforce Opportunities Program and Web Portal. These two resources continue to increase employment and business opportunities while enabling thousands of M/WBEs, small businesses, and residents to participate in New York’s rebuilding efforts.
His professional career includes extensive experience in the energy, utility, government, and business sectors working at Public Service Enterprise Group-Long Island, Long Island Power Authority, KeySpan, and in both State and City Government. He is also a former small business owner who understands firsthand the challenges M/WBEs face.
Doris has received numerous awards and recognition over his professional career. Some include the Women Builders Council Diversity Champion Award; NYSAMC Public Sector Partner Award; City and State 40 Under 40 Award; National Minority Business Council Award; and the Hispanic Chamber MWBE Advocate Award. Doris has guest lectured at Columbia University, New York University, Medgar Evers College, City College, and frequently at Adelphi University and Oral Roberts University School of Theology and Missions.
He also serves on the Bishop’s Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission for the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island. Doris holds several degrees and certificates including, a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Analysis, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from Stony Brook University, a Master of Divinity from Oral Roberts University, and a Turner School of Construction Management Certificate. He currently resides in Queens with his wife Aisha Doris and two children.
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