Commissioner, NYC Department of Small Business Services

Monday, November 23, 2020

Moderator:
Annika Pergament
Senior Business Anchor, NY1

As Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), Jonnel Doris is charged with 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.

Doris previously held the role as the City's first Senior Advisor and Director of the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE). Under Doris' leadership, the City more than doubled its certifications to 9,620, tripled its utilization, and awarded more than $14.6 billion to M/WBEs. 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), where he 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.

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 that M/WBEs face.

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.

Source: NYC Small Business Services