Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of Sharla Roberts as Commissioner of the Department of Procurement Services, where she will oversee the city’s contracting, certification, and compliance operations.

Roberts previously served as the director of procurement diversity at the University of Illinois, where she increased the university’s diversity spending from $50 million to $113 million over five years. Prior to that role, she was chief diversity officer at the State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services. Roberts holds several memberships, including chairing the Certification and Compliance committees of the State of Illinois Business Enterprise Council.

“I have been, and will always continue to be, a strong advocate for increasing diverse contracting. I am thrilled that Sharla will be joining me in this advocacy,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Sharla has long been a champion for diverse economic empowerment and is bringing her expertise and dedication to diversity, transparency, and innovation to the Chicago Department of Procurement Services.”

At the University of Illinois, Roberts established the Diverse Supplier Development Program, empowering diverse businesses through capacity building. She also created the first “sheltered market” contract exclusively for minorities and women in information technology in Illinois. In 2023, Crain’s Chicago Business recognized her as one of its Notable Leaders in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Roberts' extensive background includes leadership roles in both public and private sectors where she spearheaded significant initiatives for economic development and diversity. At the University of Illinois, she developed a strategic plan for procurement diversity, implemented staff training programs, and fostered vendor relationships through outreach programs. Her efforts have consistently increased opportunities for small and diverse businesses.

Additionally, Roberts has played pivotal roles in various organizations aimed at promoting economic growth for small and diverse businesses in Chicago. She collaborated with entities such as World Business Chicago, West Side Total Health Collaborative, and West Side United on transformative programs impacting underrepresented communities. Her contributions have advanced Chicago’s Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs.

“It is a profound honor to be appointed to serve in this role,” said Roberts. “I am excited to continue to expand upon Mayor Johnson’s initiatives to increase diverse contracting in the city of Chicago.”

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