The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has appointed Kevin V.G. Wells as chief supplier diversity officer. Wells will be responsible for directing and implementing policy and programs to increase opportunities for minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE) in agency contracts.

Wells will work to standardize and streamline the process of identifying and utilizing M/WBEs on agency contract opportunities; market the agency’s M/WBE program in the private sector to identify diverse vendors in the waste disposal and organics recycling areas; and increase the utilization of certified M/WBEs for the agency by creating initiatives that are innovative and sustainable. He will also work to continue to ensure that DSNY programs and processes are in accordance with the city’s policies and procedures and all applicable regulations.

“Our department is pleased to welcome Kevin as chief supplier diversity officer, a new position within the agency,” said DSNY Commissioner Kathryn Garcia in a statement. “We look forward to Kevin’s expertise and leadership in this arena. He brings a wealth of experience, and we look forward to his work to diversify our suppliers and vendors.”

“There are many opportunities for M/WBEs within the department’s many contracts opportunities,” said Wells in a statement. “I am particularly focused on identifying diverse suppliers in the private sector that have various operations in the waste disposal industry and are not aware of the agency’s contract opportunities as a certified M/WBE.”

Prior to joining DSNY, Wells practiced as an environmental attorney and later focused on corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs to include indigent businesses in global supply chains. Then, he was director of responsible economic inclusion at the city’s Department of Housing Preservation & Development, where he worked to ensure the agency’s M/WBE compliance and developed and implemented M/WBE outreach initiatives among other duties. He was also was a senior director at Nima Hunter, Inc. and general counsel/director of M/WBE compliance at The NY & NJ Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc.