Gov. Josh Shapiro and Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver announced the appointment of Norman Bristol Colón as the Commonwealth Chief Diversity Officer to lead diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across Commonwealth agencies. Bristol Colón is currently the chief diversity officer for the Department of Community and Economic Development and is the chair and founder of the Pennsylvania Latino Convention (PALC).

“No matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to, you have a place here in Pennsylvania, and I am building an Administration that represents the entire Commonwealth and brings Pennsylvanians together,” said Shapiro. “Norman Bristol Colón has years of experience working to advance equity and inclusion in government, and together, we will work to make sure no community in our Commonwealth is left behind as we continue bringing people together to deliver real results for Pennsylvania.”

“As both a government leader and community advocate, I am confident Norman is the right choice to lead diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Commonwealth,” saidWeaver. “Norman’s working knowledge of Commonwealth operations and our workforce, combined with a proven history of working collaboratively across departments, have prepared him to succeed in this new role in the Shapiro Administration.”

The Commonwealth chief diversity officer (CDO) will partner with senior leaders and employees across the Commonwealth to continue to build a capable, accessible, and diverse Administration that represents all Pennsylvanians. The CDO will develop recruitment, performance management, leadership development, and employee engagement strategies to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Commonwealth’s workforce and work with department staff to incorporate these priorities into their programs, policies, and decision making. The CDO will also collaborate with state agencies and the Governor’s commissions to develop relationships with key partners and advance opportunity for small diverse businesses.

A growing body of research links diversity, equity, and inclusion to organizational success. Companies with diverse leadership teams tend to be more profitable than their competitors, and diverse teams within organizations make better decisions than individuals. Additionally, employees are more likely to stay with, or accept a job offer from, organizations they perceive as inclusive.

“It is truly an honor to serve the Shapiro Administration in such a transcendental role as we collectively work to transform our state government into a world-class place to work, serve, and formulate innovative policy, initiatives, and programs,” said Colon. “Pennsylvania is more diverse than ever before. In moving forward to a shared prosperity, embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging values is fundamental to our Commonwealth’s future. The vision of the Governor is for a Commonwealth where everyone is respected and valued. I am looking forward to working with members of the cabinet, fellow state employees, partners, and stakeholders in translating that vision into a government that truly represents its people.”